How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in San Diego
Average Real Estate Agent Salary in San Diego
Real estate agents in San Diego enjoy competitive compensation reflecting the city’s robust housing market. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what real estate professionals can expect to earn in this dynamic Southern California market.
Median Annual Income
In San Diego, real estate agents earn varying salaries depending on experience, brokerage, and market conditions. According to Indeed, the average base salary for a real estate agent is approximately $106,991 per year, which is about 7% above the national average. Glassdoor reports a median total pay of around $198,035 annually, which includes base salary and additional compensation such as commissions and bonuses.
Timeframe | Amount |
|---|---|
Annual Base | $106,991 |
Monthly Average | $7,999 |
Weekly Average | $1,846 |
Hourly Wage Estimates
Real estate agents in San Diego typically earn between $41 and $46 per hour, though this can vary significantly based on experience and sales volume. It’s important to note that most agents work on a commission basis, making their actual hourly earnings variable. Salary.com indicates that the average hourly wage is approximately $23, with the 25th percentile earning around $22 and the 75th percentile earning about $29 per hour.
Category | Rate |
Average Hourly | $46.15 |
Entry Level | $22 |
Experienced | $52.31 |
Salary Range (Low to High)
The earning potential for San Diego real estate agents spans a wide range:
- Bottom 10th Percentile: $47,000
- Median Range: $95,991
- Top 90th Percentile: $198,000
These figures demonstrate the significant earning potential in the San Diego real estate market, with top performers capable of earning well above the median. Factors such as market conditions, individual performance, and years of experience heavily influence where an agent falls within this range.
How much do realtors earn in San Diego compared to other cities in California
San Diego’s real estate market offers competitive compensation for agents, but how does it stack up against other major California cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco? Understanding these regional differences can help aspiring agents and seasoned professionals make informed decisions about where to practice.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles
In San Diego, real estate agents have an average annual salary of $110,118. In comparison, agents in Los Angeles have a slightly lower average salary of $106,085 per year . While the difference is modest, it suggests that San Diego may offer slightly better earning potential for real estate agents.
San Diego vs. San Francisco
San Francisco’s real estate market is known for its high property values, which can translate into higher commissions for agents. Indeed reports that real estate agents in San Francisco earn an average annual salary of $110,125, nearly identical to San Diego’s average. However, the cost of living in San Francisco is significantly higher, which may impact overall financial well-being.
Salary comparison by state
Across California, the average salary for real estate agents varies. The statewide average is $111,515 per year. This puts realtor commission in San diego average slightly below the state average, but still within a competitive range. It’s important to note that these figures can fluctuate based on factors such as experience, market conditions, and individual performance.
City | Average Annual Salary |
San Diego | $110,118 |
Los Angeles | $106,085 |
San Francisco | $110,125 |
California (Avg) | $111,515 |
Factors That Affect Real Estate Agent Earnings
Real estate agent salaries in San Diego, as in any city, are not fixed figures. A wide range of factors can significantly influence how much an agent earns. These include personal performance, business setup, and the specific markets they operate in. Below are some of the most important elements that impact earning potential.
Experience Level
One of the strongest predictors of earnings in real estate is experience. Entry-level agents in San Diego may start out earning less as they build their network and client base. According to ZipRecruiter, first-year agents in the city earn an average of $84,717 annually, though this can vary widely depending on the agent’s ability to close deals early in their career.
More experienced agents often have access to repeat clients, referrals, and higher-value listings:
- A larger client base and repeat business.
- Higher real estate agent fees in San Diego due to the ability to handle larger transactions.
- Enhanced negotiation skills and industry expertise.
This leads to more stable income and higher commission payments.
Brokerage Firm or Independent
Where an agent chooses to work has a direct impact on their income. Agents working for large brokerages may benefit from lead generation, marketing support, and training — but typically give up a larger percentage of their commission to the firm.
Independent agents or those running their own businesses often retain a larger share of their earnings, but they also take on additional responsibilities and overhead costs. The tradeoff between support and commission split is a crucial factor when determining earning potential.
Number of Transactions Closed
Earnings are largely commission-based, so the number of homes sold plays a central role. The more transactions an agent can successfully close, the higher their total income.
For example, an agent earning a 2.5% commission on a $900,000 home will earn $22,500 on that single sale. Multiply this across 10–20 transactions per year, and the income can increase rapidly — especially in high-priced markets like San Diego.
Neighborhood or Market Area
Not all San Diego neighborhoods offer the same earning potential. Agents working in upscale areas like La Jolla, Del Mar, or Rancho Santa Fe may handle million-dollar listings and benefit from much larger commissions.
In contrast, those focused on lower-priced or slower-moving markets might earn less per transaction. Understanding local market dynamics and strategically choosing a farming area can significantly affect an agent’s annual income.
Tips to Increase Your Income as a Real Estate Agent
Success in real estate isn’t just about working harder — it’s about working smarter. While San Diego offers strong earning potential, top-performing agents know how to amplify that potential through specialization, strategic marketing, and continuous improvement. Here’s how you can do the same.
Niche Specializations (Luxury, Commercial, etc.)
One of the fastest ways to grow your income is by finding your niche and becoming the go-to expert within it. Whether it’s luxury coastal homes, commercial properties, vacation rentals, or military relocation, specializing helps you stand out in a crowded field.
For example, focusing on luxury homes in areas like La Jolla or Del Mar means dealing with higher property values — and larger commissions. Similarly, agents who understand the complexities of commercial real estate can unlock deals that smaller residential agents might overlook. A niche builds authority, attracts specific clients, and often leads to more referrals within that market segment.
Marketing and Branding Strategies
In a digital-first world, the way you present yourself matters just as much as what you know. A strong brand makes you memorable, and smart marketing gets you in front of the right people at the right time.
Think beyond the basics: a polished website, consistent social media presence, and professional visuals can create a sense of trust before you even speak to a client. Video walk-throughs, behind-the-scenes content, and neighborhood highlights are especially effective in engaging potential buyers.
Paid digital ads on platforms like Google or Meta can deliver high-quality leads directly to your inbox, while regular updates and personal messages help maintain long-term relationships. The agents who consistently show up — online and offline — are often the ones clients remember when it’s time to buy or sell.
Licensing and Continuing Education
Staying licensed is just the beginning. Agents who actively invest in their skills often earn more, close faster, and handle more complex transactions with confidence.
Pursuing additional certifications — like Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR), Certified Residential Specialist (CRS), or luxury designations — can open the door to higher-tier clients. Taking specialized courses on negotiation, contracts, or digital marketing also gives you an edge over less-prepared competitors.
And for those looking to take things further, earning a broker’s license allows for greater independence, higher commission splits, and even team-building opportunities. In a field that’s constantly evolving, ongoing education is one of the smartest (and most underrated) income multipliers.