Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Faribault, MN: $27,186 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Faribault, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,186 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Faribault's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $27,600 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($42,906) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those considering entry-level positions as real estate agents in Faribault, Minnesota, the starting pay is marked by a significant range. In 2026, first-time agents can expect salaries around $27,186 if they enter at the lowest end of the scale, while those performing above average may earn around $32,264 within their first few years. The median annual salary for real estate agents in Faribault stands at $42,906, indicating that fresh graduates can anticipate a considerable gap between entry-level wages and the median earnings in the area. Over a typical 3- to 5-year trajectory, it is realistic to expect steady growth as agents develop their skills and client bases, with salaries ultimately trending toward the city's median or beyond as they establish themselves in the market.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Faribault
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 Faribault
Entry-level real estate agents in Faribault, MN typically start between $27,186 and $32,264 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,319 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $42,906 — 19.98% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Minnesota of $2,200 represents just 8.09% of the starting real estate agent pay ($27,186/year) in Faribault. 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 Faribault
- 1Research the Faribault market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $27,186 to $32,264, 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 MN often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Faribault, 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 Faribault for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Faribault's moderate 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 Faribault is $39,319 ( 144.63%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,186, experienced hygienists can earn up to $66,505.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,253
2025 BLS Actual
$26,784
2026 Current Est.
$27,186
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,253 | Actual |
| 2020 | $20,391 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,966 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,664 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,517 | Actual |
| 2024 | $36,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,186 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27,594 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Faribault, MN grew 32.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,253 in 2019 to $26,784 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $27,594. New graduates entering the Faribault job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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 Faribault
New graduates looking to secure positions in Faribault should focus on aligning with employers that are known to hire and support entry-level agents. Major national franchises such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker provide structured environments where new agents can receive training and mentorship while earning commissions. Many hire recent graduates as buyer's agents, offering a combination of salary and bonuses that can enhance starting pay in this competitive market. Obtaining a state real estate sales license is essential, and pursuing further credentials like the NAR REALTOR® designation or becoming an Accredited Buyer's Representative can also give candidates an edge. With the real estate landscape evolving, understanding the implications of the post-2024 NAR commission settlement is critical, as many agents will be operating as independent contractors on a commission-split basis. New agents may initially earn less than the established top agents, who dominate the industry's income potential, but those who cultivate strong networks and adapt quickly can expect their salaries to increase significantly, positioning them for a robust career in Faribault’s real estate sector.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for real estate agents in Faribault in 2026?
How fast do real estate agent salaries grow in Faribault?
Is real estate school worth it in Faribault?
What do new real estate agents make right out of school in Faribault?
How do I become a real estate agent in Minnesota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Faribault. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Faribault 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