Are you considering a career in real estate and wondering what a REALTOR® in New York earns? You’re not alone! The question, “How much do real estate agents make in New York?” is one of the most frequently asked by prospective agents. But the reality is that the salary of a real estate agent depends on a variety of factors, including location within NY, commission splits, and experience level.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about real estate earnings in New York, including borough-specific insights, commission structures, and tips for increasing your income. Whether you’re a beginner in the industry or an experienced agent ready to elevate your career, understanding the nuances of real estate income is critical for making informed decisions and maximizing your financial potential.
Key Takeaways
- Salaries Vary By Boroughs: Real estate earnings in New York differ across areas like Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, depending on property values and demand.
- Commission-Based Income Is Common: Most agents rely on real estate commission rather than fixed salaries, making income unpredictable.
- Market Conditions Impact Earnings: Your income will vary based on the housing market, experience, and hours worked.
- Licensing Boosts Earnings Potential: Advancing to a broker’s license can significantly increase your overall income.
- Understand Commission Splits: Knowing how commission percentage structures work can help you negotiate better deals.
On Average, How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in New York?
Real estate agents in New York typically operate on commission, which is calculated as a percentage of the property’s sale price. What does this percentage look like in terms of dollars? Here’s the average salary data as reported by Glassdoor in August 2025.
- New York City real estate agents: $193,000
- New York State real estate agents: $201,000
- New York City broker: $204,150
- New York State broker: $187,000
Borough-by-borough earnings
Real estate salaries vary widely depending on the part of New York City in which you practice. High-value properties in areas like Manhattan drive higher commissions, while other boroughs like Staten Island or Queens may yield lower commissions due to more modest property values.
- Manhattan: $219,922
- Brooklyn: $192,406
- The Bronx: $121,050
- Long Island/Queens: $121,010
- Staten Island: $119,117
Top cities in New York (excluding NYC) for real estate agents
Real estate agent salaries outside of New York City can also be lucrative, depending on the city and market demand. According to Glassdoor, here are the top three cities in New York not connected with NYC and their average salaries for real estate agents:
- Rochester, NY: $197,485
- Albany, NY: $169,388
- Buffalo, NY: $163,908
These figures highlight the potential for real estate agents to thrive across various regions in New York State. Whether you’re in the bustling heart of NYC or exploring opportunities in upstate cities, the real estate market offers promising prospects for motivated professionals.
How do you split your real estate commission in NYC?
The misconception about real estate income is that agents take home the total earned commission. However, commissions are split at multiple levels before reaching the agent’s bank account. Here’s how it works:
Total property commission
The average commission rate in New York hovers is 4.66% of the property’s sale price. However, it’s important to remember that real estate commissions are negotiable.
Agent splits
For every sale, the commission is typically split 50/50 between the seller’s agent and the buyer’s agent. For example:
- Sale Price = $1,000,000
- Commission Rate = 5%
- Total Commission = $50,000
- Per Agent = $25,000 before broker splits
Broker splits
Brokers often take a percentage of the agent’s earnings as compensation for office resources, mentorship, and administrative support. For new agents, the typical split is 50/50, though experienced agents can negotiate better rates (e.g., 70/30 or even 90/10).
Example for new agents:
- Agent’s share = $25,000
- Broker split (50%) = Agent keeps $12,500
Taxes and costs
As an independent contractor, you’ll need to allocate funds for quarterly taxes, self-employment fees, and marketing expenses. After taxes and other deductions, the take-home from the $25,000 commission in our example could shrink to $8,750-$10,000.
Other Factors that Influence NY Real Estate Earnings
Understanding these aspects is crucial for managing expectations and making informed decisions about your career in real estate. Let’s explore additional factors that can impact your earnings potential and overall success in the New York real estate market.
Market conditions
Real estate incomes heavily rely on external factors like interest rates, property demand, and whether it’s a buyer’s or seller’s market. During housing booms, incomes skyrocket. However, rising interest rates might cool the market, causing income dips.
Networking and mentorship
Connections are key to high earnings. Agents who invest in growing their professional networks tend to close more deals, build lasting client relationships, and climb professionally.
Certifications and license upgrades
Advancing from a salesperson license to a broker license unlocks new earning potential. For example, brokers typically retain more significant commission percentages and can even open independent firms.
Maximize Your Income Potential as a REALTOR in NYC
With the right strategies and dedication, you can position yourself for lasting success and financial growth in the competitive NYC real estate market.
1. Leverage social media
Showcase your listings on Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube to attract clients, reach a wider audience, and build credibility for your business. Use Instagram to highlight stunning visuals, LinkedIn to connect with professionals, and YouTube for in-depth video tours that engage potential clients.
2. Negotiate better splits
Experienced agents have the opportunity to renegotiate their commission splits with their current brokers, leveraging their track record and performance to secure better terms. Alternatively, they can explore other firms that offer more competitive take-home percentages or additional perks, such as enhanced support, training, or marketing resources, to maximize their earnings and career growth.
3. Invest in quality continuing education and professional development
Investing in professional development, like certifications or advanced training, is key to staying competitive and excelling in your field. Programs in luxury sales, negotiation tactics, and even leveraging AI tools can elevate your expertise and set you apart. By mastering advanced skills and staying updated on industry trends, you can offer clients exceptional service, close high-value deals, and position yourself as a leader in the market. Growth starts with learning—take the next step to expand your potential.
Pro Tip: Enroll in Survive & Thrive! Kickstart your real estate career with proven strategies, systems, and scripts from top agents. This program helps new agents avoid early mistakes, generate leads, and build confidence—giving you a clear 90-day roadmap to start landing clients fast.
4. Develop a niche
Delve into lucrative niches like luxury properties, commercial real estate, or sustainable housing to command higher commissions and stand out from others in the industry.
Luxury properties often attract high-net-worth clients, offering the potential for significant earnings. Commercial real estate provides opportunities to work with businesses and investors looking for profitable ventures. Meanwhile, sustainable housing is a growing market, appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and developers. By specializing in these areas, you can position yourself as an expert and gain a competitive edge in the market.
What It Costs to Launch and Maintain a Career in NYC Real Estate
Starting a real estate career in NYC comes with its share of costs. Here’s a breakdown:
- Pre-Licensing Education and Exam Prep: $600
- Licensing and Exam Fees: $100
- Continuing Education: $250 annually
Marketing expenses in NYC real estate vary widely based on strategy and goals. From professional listing photos and staging to social media ads and printed materials, agents must invest to promote their services. Costs can range from a few hundred to several thousand dollars annually, depending on campaign size and frequency.
Allocating resources wisely is key to building your brand and attracting clients for long-term success. Planning these investments ensures better returns over time.
Start Your Real Estate Career with Colibri Real Estate School
Ready to launch your career in real estate? At Colibri Real Estate School, we provide top-notch pre-licensing education to help you earn your real estate license and start your journey.
Choose from flexible learning options that suit your schedule:
- Self-Paced Online Courses: Learn at your own pace with interactive lessons.
- Livestream Classes: Get real-time instruction from state-certified experts.
With Colibri Real Estate School, you’ll gain the knowledge, tools, and support you need to pass your exam and start your career with confidence.
Get started today and take the first step toward your future in real estate!
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.
