How much do Real Estate Agents get paid?

How Much Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?

Real estate agents are typically paid by commission based on the home’s sale price—but they don’t keep the full amount.

• Commission is usually split between the listing and buyer’s (cooperating) broker
• Each agent then splits again with their brokerage
• Expenses (marketing, photography, insurance, fees) come out of their share

Example:
$300,000 sale at 6% = $18,000 total commission
Split between brokerages: $9,000 each
After a 70/30 split: agent earns ~$6,300 before expenses

Bottom line: Net income is often closer to $4,000–$5,000 or less after costs.