Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Derby, KS: $30,439 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,439 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,486 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,065) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates entering the real estate market in Derby, Kansas, the starting real estate agent salary is projected to be around $30,439 in 2026. This figure lags behind the city median annual salary of $48,065, reflecting the common entry-point challenges faced by fresh entrants into the field. Although the initial pay can seem modest, there is potential for growth as agents gain experience, with salaries moving to $36,264 for entry-level positions at the 25th percentile and eventually reaching the median. Overall, Derby presents an encouraging market for new real estate professionals, especially as the city continues attracting buyers and sellers looking for opportunities in a relatively affordable cost-of-living environment.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
Entry-level real estate agents in Derby, KS typically start between $30,439 and $36,264 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,062 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,065 — 10.36% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Kansas of $1,200 represents just 3.94% of the starting real estate agent pay ($30,439/year) in Derby. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates include state-mandated pre-licensing courses, exam fees, background checks, initial license, and MLS/NAR dues. Agents typically pay for business expenses themselves. Brokers require additional experience and post-licensing education.
REA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $30,439 to $36,264, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the real estate field — employers in KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Real Estate Agent Compensation Range
The real estate agent wage spread in Derby is $44,062 ( 144.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,439, experienced hygienists can earn up to $74,501.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,676
2025 BLS Actual
$29,989
2026 Current Est.
$30,439
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,676 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,831 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,714 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,496 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,570 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,989 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,439 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,895 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 32.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,676 in 2019 to $29,989 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,895. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your real estate Career in Derby
In Derby, several prominent national franchise brokerages, such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker, actively recruit new graduates to join their ranks. These companies often provide structured training and mentorship programs, allowing new agents to transition smoothly into their careers, often starting as buyer's agents under a commission split arrangement. Additionally, obtaining credentials like the state real estate sales license or the NAR REALTOR® designation can significantly enhance earning potential in Kansas. With many agents operating as 1099 independent contractors post-2024 NAR settlement—where the commission structures were revamped—it's crucial for new agents to align with supportive firms that can guide them through this evolving landscape. During the first three years, understating the commission model becomes essential as higher earnings typically consolidate amongst the top-performing agents, leaving room for strategic planning and professional advancement through networking and further education in specialized areas such as commercial real estate.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for real estate agents in Derby in 2026?
How fast do real estate agent salaries grow in Derby?
Is real estate school worth it in Derby?
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Related Pages
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new real estate graduates. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov