How much do real estate agents make in Virginia? If you’re dreaming of a career with big earning potential, Virginia’s real estate market is calling your name. Whether you’re thinking about getting your license or leveling up your income as an agent or broker, knowing the financial basics can help you crush your goals and build a financially successful future.
Key Takeaways
- Above-Average Earnings: According to three sources, real estate agents in Virginia earn over $70,000 per year in commissions.
- Location Matters: Northern Virginia markets, such as McLean and Arlington, command higher commissions due to premium property values.
- Market Strength: Virginia’s median home price of $410,032 exceeds the national average, creating more lucrative commission opportunities.
Understanding Real Estate Agent Compensation
Real estate agents in Virginia typically work on a commission basis rather than receiving traditional salaries. The average real estate commission in Virginia is 5.58% of the transaction amount, which is slightly above the national average of 5.57%. This commission is typically split between the listing agent, buyer’s agent, and their respective brokerages.
With the average Virginia property valued at $410,032, real estate professionals typically earn around $22,880 per transaction.
Average Salary and Earnings Range for Virginia Real Estate Agents
Real estate agent salaries in Virginia reflect the state’s strong housing market and above-average property values. But finding the average salary of a real estate agent in Virginia is challenging, as income ranges vary greatly.
Here are the averages, according to three reliable sources:
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: $69,630
- Indeed: $107,500
- Glassdoor: $171,000
Entry-level agents generally start with lower earnings, as they spend time building client relationships, learning the market, and establishing their reputation.
As with most commission-based industries, real estate income in Virginia can fluctuate depending on individual performance, market conditions, and seasonal trends.
Strong Market Conditions Support Higher Earnings
Virginia’s real estate market shows promising signs for continued agent success. Recent market data from Redfin highlights several encouraging trends:
- Home prices increased 1.9% year-over-year in July 2025
- Some markets experienced exceptional growth, with Bristol, VA, seeing a 28.5% increase in sales prices YoY.
- In July 2025, 32.8% of homes sold above list price, indicating competitive market conditions.
- Inventory grew to 37,797 homes in July 2025, up 15.5% year-over-year.
Virginia’s appeal drives consistent demand
Virginia’s desirability as a residential destination has a direct impact on real estate agent earnings. The state ranks fourth in CNBC’s America’s Top States for Business in 2025, making it an economic powerhouse that attracts new residents.
Several factors contribute to this appeal:
- Economic Strength: Resilient job market with unemployment projected to remain at historically low levels
- Quality of Life: Diverse living environments from coastal areas to mountain regions
- Education: Top-rated schools and universities attract families and young professionals
- Proximity to Washington, D.C.: Northern Virginia benefits from steady housing demand among government employees and contractors
- Natural Beauty: Thrillist says a trip down Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park is arguably “the best leaf-peeping drive in America.”
Location-Based Earning Variations
Your earning potential as a Virginia real estate agent depends a lot on where you focus. Big cities bring big opportunities—here’s where you can make it happen:
Richmond, VA
According to Glassdoor, agents in the state capital earn an average annual commission of $163,000, benefiting from a diverse economy and steady population growth.
Virginia Beach, VA
As Virginia’s most populous city, with approximately 400,000 residents, Virginia Beach offers agents an average annual income of $208,207, supported by both residential and vacation property markets.
Charlottesville, VA
Despite its smaller population of around 46,000, Charlottesville’s historic charm and university presence help agents earn an average of $175,551 annually.
Northern Virginia
Markets like McLean and Arlington command the highest home prices in the state, resulting in substantially higher commission opportunities for agents specializing in luxury properties. Here’s the average income of agents working in those areas, according to Glassdoor, August 2025:
McLean: $185,246
Arlington: $242,619
Lee Cronin, a Keller Williams agent in McLean, sells between 15 and 20 houses per year. The secret to her success? “Prospect, prospect, prospect,” she said.
Factors That Influence Your Income Potential
Understanding these factors can help you strategically position yourself for success in the real estate market.
Experience and specialization
Entry-level agents typically start at lower income levels but can rapidly increase earnings through the following:
- Building a strong reputation and referral network
- Developing expertise in specific market segments
- Obtaining advanced certifications and designations
- Focusing on high-value properties or niche markets
Market conditions and timing
Several market factors affect agent income:
- Inventory Levels: Virginia’s current 2-month supply creates favorable selling conditions
- Interest Rates: Projected modest declines by the end of 2025 may increase transaction volume
- Seasonal Variations: Spring and summer typically offer peak earning opportunities
Professional development investments
Successful agents often invest in the following:
- Professional networking through the Virginia Association of REALTORS®
- Advanced certifications through the Real Estate Negotiation Institute (RENI)
- Luxury Home Marketing Specialist (CLHMS) designation
- Continuous education in technology, such as becoming a Real Estate AI Specialist
Tax Considerations for Virginia Real Estate Agents
Virginia’s tax structure affects your take-home income as an independent contractor:
State and federal obligations
Virginia imposes a progressive state income tax ranging from 2% to 5.75% based on income levels. As independent contractors, real estate agents must also pay self-employment taxes of 15.3% for Social Security and Medicare.
Available deductions
Agents can significantly reduce taxable income through business deductions, including:
- Marketing and advertising expenses
- Mileage and transportation costs
- Home office expenses
- Professional memberships and education
- Client entertainment and networking costs
Learn more about tax deductions for real estate agents by requesting a download of our recent tax webinar.
Your Path to Real Estate Success Starts Here
Virginia’s real estate market offers exceptional opportunities for agents committed to building successful careers. With higher-than-average earning potential, strong market fundamentals, and diverse regional opportunities, the state provides an ideal environment for real estate professionals.
Take the first step toward your real estate success by exploring Colibri Real Estate’s comprehensive licensing and continuing education programs. Our flexible, state-approved courses are designed to fit your schedule while providing the knowledge and skills you need to excel in Virginia’s competitive market.
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on an August 2024 survey of Colibri Real Estate School alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Colibri Real Estate School strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
