Real estate agent salary: where it sits on the Australian salary index

What is a real estate agent salary?

A real estate agent salary in Australia is the pay earned by professionals who sell, lease, and manage properties. The role covers business brokers, property managers, agency principals, and representatives. Because many agents earn through commissions, the salary can swing widely. This guide looks at where the typical real estate agent salary sits on the Salary Index, which compares yearly gross pay to the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings line of $108,352 (index 100).

Where the median real estate agent salary lands on the index

Jobs and Skills Australia, using ABS data, reports that full-time non-managerial real estate sales agents earn a median of $1,504 per week. That works out to about $78,208 a year. On the Salary Index, that gives a score of roughly 72 – well below the national average of 100. For context, the national minimum wage sits at index 48.2, while the average for all occupations is 100. So a typical real estate agent earns more than the minimum but less than the average worker across all industries.

Compared to other industries, real estate sits below professional services (index 114.7) and education (105.5), but above retail trade (75.9) and accommodation and food services (72.5). The index helps you see how one occupation stacks up against the broader economy.

Award minimums for real estate employees

The Fair Work Ombudsman's Real Estate Industry Award 2020 sets the legal floor for pay. These rates apply to employees (not self-employed agents) and vary by classification:

• Level 1 (Associate) – first 12 months: $1,010.60 per week ($52,551 annualised, index 48.5)
• Level 1 (Associate) – after 12 months: $1,063.90 per week ($55,323 annualised, index 51.1)
• Level 2 (Representative): $1,119.10 per week ($58,193 annualised, index 53.7)
• Level 3 (Supervisory): $1,231.00 per week ($64,012 annualised, index 59.1)
• Level 4 (In-Charge): $1,287.30 per week ($66,940 annualised, index 61.8)

Casual employees get a 25% loading. For example, a casual Level 2 representative earns $36.81 per hour. These are minimums – many agents earn above award through commission or performance bonuses.

Commission and earning potential

Real estate is known for commission-based pay. The award allows commission-only arrangements if the employee is likely to earn at least 125% of the annualised minimum wage for their level. That means a Level 2 representative on commission should aim for at least $72,741 a year (index 67.1). In practice, top performers can earn much more, but the median figure of $78,208 suggests that many agents do not dramatically exceed the award floor.

Because the ABS median excludes managers and self-employed agents, it may understate earnings for high-performing salespeople. On the other hand, it includes those who earn only base salary. If you are considering a career in real estate, understand that income can be irregular, especially when starting out.

State and territory differences

The Salary Index varies by state, reflecting different average earnings. For example, Western Australia has an index of 106.9, while Tasmania sits at 88.6. Real estate agent salaries may follow similar patterns, but specific state-level data for this occupation is not available from the sources used. You can compare general state pay levels on our states page.

Superannuation and tax

Employers must pay superannuation at 12% of ordinary time earnings (from July 2026) on top of the salary. For a median earner of $78,208, that adds about $9,385 to retirement savings. The super guarantee cap is $270,830. For tax, a resident earning $78,208 in 2026–27 would pay roughly $15,088 in income tax plus the 2% Medicare levy, leaving about $61,500 after tax (excluding HELP or other deductions).

How the salary index works

The Salary Index converts yearly gross pay into a simple number: your annual earnings divided by the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings ($108,352), multiplied by 100. A score of 100 means you earn exactly the national average. Scores below 100 are below average; above 100 are above. This makes it easy to compare any role, industry, or state.

Where to find pay guides

For the latest award rates, check the Fair Work Ombudsman's pay guides for the Real Estate Industry Award. These guides list minimum rates, allowances, and penalty rates. Remember that awards are minimums – your actual real estate agent salary may be higher depending on your employer, experience, and commission structure.

Final thoughts

The real estate agent salary in Australia sits below the national average, with a median index of about 72. Award minimums start lower, but commission can lift earnings. If you are entering the field, understand that pay is often variable and tied to sales performance. For more comparisons across roles and regions, explore our industries and topics pages.