Average Starting Salary for Real Estate Agent in Nevada

When considering a new career as a real estate agent, the first question is often whether the industry aligns with your interests. Another common (and practical) question during a career pivot to the industry is: “What is the average starting salary for real estate agents?” 

When it comes to salaries, real estate is a unique industry, as real estate agents typically work solely on negotiable commissions. Most people who go into real estate are excited with the prospect of unlimited income potential, especially if they have worked hard in previous jobs without receiving financial rewards. However, it can be hard to predict the average entry-level real estate agent salary. Let’s look at income stats for beginning real estate agents in Nevada to give you an idea of how much you could make. 

Key Takeaways 

• Earnings depend on factors such as location, niche specialization, market conditions, and brokerage agreements. Due to their elevated property values, high-value areas like Lake Tahoe and cities like Reno and Henderson offer higher commissions per transaction. 

• Nevada’s housing market is strong, with stable property values, quick sales (median of 25 days to pending), and high demand in specific areas.  

• New agents can maximize their first-year earnings by leveraging connections, working open houses, managing time effectively, forming partnerships, setting clear goals, and continuously investing in education and training. Exceptional customer service and networking are critical for long-term growth. 

Overall Expectations for Real Estate Starting Salaries 

Starting salaries in real estate can vary greatly based on several factors, such as whether you work full-time or part-time, your location, your niche (residential, commercial, luxury, etc.), the company or brokerage you join, and your specific role. (Not everyone in real estate works as a commissioned salesperson.) 

To be frank, other factors that significantly influence income are whether you are focused, goal-driven, and agreeable to working long hours—especially at the beginning of your career.  

Average Starting Salaries for Real Estate Agents in Nevada and Nationwide 

The 2025 Nevada Real Estate Salary Guide states that new real estate agents in Nevada with 1 to 3 years of experience can earn an average annual income of $75,000.

Factors Influencing Real Estate Agent Salaries 

Several factors determine how much you can make as a real estate agent, including your location, experience, commission structure, and market conditions.  

1. Location 

The commission earned by a real estate agent typically is based on the percentage of the property’s sale price, so it makes sense that salespeople working in the Lake Tahoe area make more per transaction than those working in areas with a lower cost of living. 

Take a look at the average value of homes in these cities. According to FastExpert, real estate professionals in Nevada typically earn 5.08% of each sale, which is divided between the seller’s agent, the buyer’s agent, and their brokerages.  

How much do real estate agents make per sale in Nevada? 

City	Average Value of Homes	5.08% Commission
Las Vegas, NV	$425,796	$21,630
Henderson, NV	$486,887	$24,734
Paradise, NV	$395,842	$20,109
Gardnerville, NV	$582,763	$29,604
Reno, NV	$551,939	$28,039
Elko, NV	$344,736	$17,512
Fallon, NV	$368,223	$18,706
Fernley, NV	$380,748	$19,342
Carson City, NV	$474,348	$24,097
Pahrump, NV	$344,711	$17,511

Source: Zillow November 2024 

Of course, location isn’t the only factor determining a first-year agent’s income. You can do well, regardless of location, if you focus on a lucrative niche – or sell a lot. 

2. Experience and expertise 

The income report shows that experienced real estate agents generally report higher earnings than those just starting. This is unsurprising, as seasoned agents often have a broader network and client base, making it easier to generate leads. 

Beyond experience, agents specializing in investment properties tend to earn more than those focused on other niches. However, this doesn’t mean that new agents in Nevada should limit themselves to fix-and-flips or rentals. Instead, the data suggests that focusing on a specific niche could be a strategic way to boost your income. 

3. Brokerage and commission structures 

Another factor that plays a role in how much you’ll make the first year as a real estate agent is the agreement you sign with your brokerage. Beginning real estate agents often have less favorable terms than experienced agents. This means that you may have to give a larger share of your commission to your brokerage when starting than later in your career.  

Keep in mind that your brokerage is legally responsible for overseeing your transactions. You’ll also receive training, tools, and help with branding and advertising in return for your commission split.  

4. Market conditions 

Finally, market conditions play a significant role in determining an entry-level real estate agent’s salary. Factors such as interest rates, housing inventory, global events, and home prices can all impact your earnings. Like any industry, real estate has its ups and downs. However, waiting for blue skies before pursuing your real estate license is not the best approach. Building an established brand and strong connections now ensures you’ll be ready to thrive when the market heats up in your area. 

The state of Nevada’s housing market is strong. The market remains active and well-supplied. Property values are holding steady, with a median sale price of $432,000 (as of September 30, 2024) and a median list price of $481,263, showing a competitive yet stable pricing environment. The median sale-to-list ratio of 0.993 indicates that homes are selling very close to their asking prices, with 21.5% of sales closing above the list price—a sign of high demand in specific areas. Homes are also moving quickly, with a median of just 25 days to pending, reflecting the market’s fast pace. While some buyers are securing deals below list price (53.7% of sales), the overall data underscores a healthy balance between supply, demand, and pricing, making Nevada’s housing market an appealing and resilient option for both buyers and sellers. 

Strategies for Maximizing Earning Potential Your First Year 

It takes time for most people to earn a healthy income in real estate. Because of that, some people keep their day jobs and only work part-time in real estate. (A part-time income in real estate can be lucrative in Nevada! Real estate is a great way to supplement your household income.) 

Here are other action-based strategies for maximizing earnings in your first year as a real estate agent.  

1. Tell all your connections about your new career. 

Let family, friends, and acquaintances know you’re starting a real estate career. Use social media and networking events to expand your reach and establish yourself as the go-to person in your area for real estate questions. 

2. Volunteer to work open houses.  

Volunteer to host open houses for other agents in your brokerage. Use these opportunities to meet prospective buyers and sellers and expand your network. Even if the property isn’t suitable for a potential buyer, you can still gather their contact information and promise to follow up if something in their price range becomes available.  

3. Develop strong time management skills. 

Structure your daily schedule to balance lead generation, client meetings, and marketing activities. Prioritize tasks directly contributing to income generation, such as following up with leads. 

4. Build partnerships. 

Collaborate with mortgage brokers, contractors, home stagers, and other professionals in related industries. These partnerships can lead to referrals and additional business opportunities. Attend industry events to meet your area’s real estate movers and shakers.  

5. Set goals and track progress. 

Define clear, achievable goals for transactions, income, and new leads. During slow periods, create goals for cold-calling or door-knob tag hanging. Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your strategies as needed. 

6. Deliver exceptional customer service. 

Focus on building trust and long-term relationships with clients. Word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied clients can be a powerful driver of business growth. Offer top-notch customer service so your clients are happy to share your contact information with all their friends.  

7. Take advantage of training and education. 

Participate in training sessions, webinars, and workshops your brokerage or local real estate associations offer. Stay updated on market trends and regulations to provide valuable insights to clients. Key Realty School can help you stay on top of what’s happening in the Nevada real estate industry and increase your entry-level real estate agent salary. We offer pre-licensing courses, continuing ed, and certifications such as Accredited Buyer Representative.