The National Association of REALTORS®’ 2025 Member Profile report reveals that the average Realtor now possesses 12 years of industry experience. This increase from 10 years in the previous year suggests a potential shift in agent demographics, possibly due to fewer new agents entering the field or some less experienced agents leaving. Despite market fluctuations, a significant majority of Realtors express strong commitment to the profession.
Realtor Experience and Commitment
The latest report from the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) indicates that the typical Realtor has accumulated 12 years of experience in the industry. This marks an increase from the 10 years of experience reported last year. NAR attributes this rise to potentially fewer new agents joining the field or less experienced agents departing. Crucially, the report highlights a strong sense of professional longevity, with 74% of current members expressing "very certain" they will remain active in real estate for at least two more years. This confidence is echoed by Chief Deputy Economist Jessica Lautz, who stated, "Despite the headwinds in the current market, the majority of agents who are Realtors plan on staying in real estate as active professionals."
Transaction Volume and Sales Performance
NAR’s comprehensive survey, which included nearly 5,000 Realtor members, found that the median number of transactions handled by an agent in 2024 remained consistent with the previous year, at 10 transactions. Similarly, the median sales volume stayed unchanged at $2.5 million. Performance varied by experience level:
- 0-2 years experience: Handled a median of 3 transactions with a sales volume of $500,000.
- 3-5 years experience: Handled 8 transactions for $1.6 million.
- 6-15 years experience: Handled 11 transactions for $3.2 million.
- 16+ years experience: Handled 10 transactions for $2.6 million.
Demographic Trends and Income
The demographic profile of Realtors shows a median age of 57, an increase from 55 in 2023. Notably, the proportion of Realtors aged 65 and older has grown by 7% year-over-year, now representing 29% of members. Ethnically, 80% of NAR members identified as White, followed by 9% Hispanic/Latino and 6% Black/African-American. Females constitute 63% of the membership.
The median Realtor dedicates 35 hours per week to their work, earning a gross income of $58,100 in 2024, up from $55,800 the prior year. After taxes and business expenses, the net income averaged $36,600. Income generally correlated with experience, with those having 16 or more years of experience earning a median net income of $51,900.
Firm Affiliation and Benefits
Regarding firm affiliation, 55% of Realtors work with independent companies, while 38% are with franchised companies. The average tenure with their current firm is six years, with 28% having been with their firm for 12 years or more. Benefit coverage remains limited for many Realtors; while nearly half are covered by their firm for liability insurance, only 4% receive health insurance, paid time off, or retirement plans. Dental, vision, life, and disability insurance are even less common. Consequently, most Realtors rely on partners, spouses, or personal out-of-pocket payments for these benefits. Furthermore, 71% of Realtors reported that real estate is their sole occupation, a slight decrease from 72% in 2023.