Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Manhattan, KS: $28,765 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Manhattan, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $28,765 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Manhattan's local price level (BEA RPP 90.2 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,904 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($37,555) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
Starting your career as a real estate agent in Manhattan, KS, presents a unique financial outlook in 2026. For new graduates entering the field, the entry-level position offers a starting pay of $28,765, which is significantly below the overall median annual salary in the city of $37,555. This gap highlights the need for realistic expectations as you embark on your career. However, there’s a promising trajectory for salary growth, where new agents can expect to move toward the $34,804 mark within the first few years. With a projected annual growth rate of 1.50%, aspiring agents in this vibrant market should recognize that while early earnings may seem modest, there are pathways to higher income as experience is gained and professional networks expand.
Career Earnings Timeline in Manhattan
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 Manhattan
Entry-level real estate agents in Manhattan, KS typically start between $28,765 and $34,804 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,817 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $37,555 — 29.96% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Kansas of $1,200 represents just 4.17% of the starting real estate agent pay ($28,765/year) in Manhattan. 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 Manhattan
- 1Research the Manhattan market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $28,765 to $34,804, 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 Manhattan, 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 Manhattan for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Manhattan'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 Manhattan is $47,817 ( 166.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $28,765, experienced hygienists can earn up to $76,582.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,429
2025 BLS Actual
$28,340
2026 Current Est.
$28,765
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Manhattan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,429 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,575 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $22,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $23,120 | Actual |
| 2024 | $30,780 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,340 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28,765 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,197 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Manhattan, KS grew 32.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,429 in 2019 to $28,340 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,197. New graduates entering the Manhattan job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manhattan 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 Manhattan
In terms of employment opportunities, Manhattan's real estate landscape features several notable employers that actively recruit new graduates. National franchise brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker are among the most prominent, offering structured training and mentorship programs in exchange for a commission split. Many of these firms operate with team-based structures that provide a base salary plus additional bonuses for buyer's agents, presenting a viable option for graduates seeking stability as they start in real estate. To enhance entry-level earnings, obtaining credentials such as the state real estate sales license is essential and involves completing between 60 to 180 hours of coursework followed by a state exam. Additionally, affiliations like the NAR REALTOR® designation can further boost professional credibility. Given the recent commission restructuring following the 2024 NAR settlement, new agents should strategically position themselves, understanding that while most work on a 1099 basis with commission splits, proactive networking and skill development can significantly influence salary growth potential within the first three years in this evolving market.
More salary data for Manhattan, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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Nearby Cities in Kansas
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 Manhattan. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 5-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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