Average Real Estate Agent Salary: Where It Sits on the Australian Salary Index

What Does "Average Real Estate Agent Salary" Mean?

When people search for the "average real estate agent salary", they usually want a realistic figure for what a typical agent earns in Australia. But the term "average" can be misleading because real estate pay is often a mix of a base wage (or retainer) and commission from sales. The most reliable public data comes from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia, which report median earnings rather than a simple average. The median is the middle point: half earn more, half earn less.

This article explains where that median sits on the Salary Index, which compares any occupation's full-time ordinary-time earnings to the national benchmark of 100. The national line is set at $2,083.70 per week (annualised $108,352) based on ABS Average Weekly Earnings for May 2026. A score below 100 means the occupation pays less than the typical full-time worker; above 100 means it pays more.

The Median Real Estate Agent Salary on the Index

According to Jobs and Skills Australia's occupation profile for Real Estate Sales Agents (ANZSCO 6121), the median weekly earnings for full-time non-managerial employees is $1,504. That annualises to about $78,208 ($1,504 × 52 weeks). Comparing that to the national benchmark:

• Index = ($78,208 ÷ $108,352) × 100 ≈ 72.2

So the average real estate agent salary sits at an index of about 72, well below the national line of 100. For context, the national minimum wage (from July 2026) is $1,004.90 per week, index 48.2. Real estate agents as a group earn more than the minimum but less than the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week (index 85.5).

How Does This Compare to Other Industries?

The real estate industry falls under "Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services" in ABS classifications. This sector's overall index is not separately published, but we can compare to other industries from the on-site reference: Mining (index 154.7), Professional services (114.7), Retail trade (75.9), and Accommodation and food services (72.5). Real estate agents at index 72 are close to the hospitality sector, which is near the bottom of the industry rankings. However, remember that the median includes many agents who are early in their careers or working part-time; top agents can earn far more.

Award Minimums vs. Market Rates

The Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for the Real Estate Industry Award 2020 set minimum weekly rates that are lower than the median. As of July 2026:

• Level 1 (associate, first 12 months): $1,010.60 per week ($26.59/hr)
• Level 2 (representative): $1,119.10 per week ($29.45/hr)
• Level 4 (in-charge): $1,287.30 per week ($33.88/hr)

These award rates are the legal floor. Most agents, especially those selling property, earn above award through commissions. The award itself notes that commission-only arrangements should aim for at least 125% of the annualised minimum wage for the relevant level. For a Level 2 representative, that would be about $1,398 per week — still below the $1,504 median. So the median suggests many agents are earning above the award minimum, but not dramatically so.

State Variations

Real estate agent salaries can vary by state due to property market conditions. The on-site reference provides state indices for all occupations: New South Wales (101.2), Victoria (98.0), Queensland (97.9), Western Australia (106.9), South Australia (94.6), Tasmania (88.6), Australian Capital Territory (109.9), and Northern Territory (95.2). Agents in WA and ACT may earn more relative to the national average, while those in Tasmania may earn less. However, state-level data for real estate specifically is not publicly available. For a broader look at how location affects pay, see the states page.

Tax and Super Considerations

If you earn $78,208 as a real estate agent, your take-home pay after tax (2026–27 rates, including 2% Medicare levy) would be approximately:

• Tax on $78,208: $5,092 (first $18,200 tax-free) + $4,021 (15% on $26,800) + $9,962 (30% on $33,208) = $19,075
• Medicare levy: $1,564
• Total deductions: $20,639
• Net annual income: about $57,569 (or $1,107 per week)

Superannuation is 12% on top of your salary (from July 2026), so your employer would contribute about $9,385 per year, up to the maximum contribution base of $270,830. If you are self-employed or on commission-only, you may need to arrange your own super.

Why the Index Matters

The how the index works page explains that the salary index is a simple tool: divide your annual gross ordinary-time earnings by $108,352 and multiply by 100. For real estate agents, the median index of 72 tells you that the typical agent earns about 72% of what the average full-time worker earns. This is useful for career planning, salary negotiations, or comparing across industries.

Caveats and Limitations

The $1,504 median figure comes from the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours, May 2025, and excludes managers, part-time workers, and those paid unusually high or low amounts. It also does not include self-employed agents or business owners. Real estate is a performance-driven field; a small number of agents earn very high commissions, pulling the average up, but the median stays moderate.

Additionally, the award rates are minimums and do not reflect the typical pay for experienced agents in hot markets. If you are considering a career in real estate, look at the median as a realistic starting point, but know that your earnings will depend heavily on your sales ability, location, and the type of property you sell.

Conclusion

The average real estate agent salary — measured as the median full-time earnings — is about $78,208 per year, or an index of 72 on the Australian salary index. This is below the national benchmark but above the minimum wage. Commission can lift earnings significantly, but the median shows that many agents earn a modest income relative to other professions. For more detailed pay information, check the topics page or the Fair Work Ombudsman's award summaries.