Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Lakeville, MN: $29,214 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Lakeville, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $29,214 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lakeville's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $29,659 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,628) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, a new graduate entering the real estate market in Lakeville, MN, can expect an entry-level real estate agent salary starting at around $29,214 annually. This figure reflects the lower end of the salary range, suggesting that many agents may find themselves earning significantly less than the city’s median salary of $44,628. Realistically, over the first few years, entry-level agents could see growth as they gain experience and build their networks; for instance, the transition from the 25th percentile salary of $34,546 to the median could happen within the first three to five years in this competitive market. Given Lakeville's suburban appeal and growing population, it remains a viable environment for new graduates looking to begin a career in real estate.
About the Lakeville Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lakeville
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 Lakeville
Entry-level real estate agents in Lakeville, MN typically start between $29,214 and $34,546 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $39,958 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,628 — 16.77% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Minnesota of $2,200 represents just 7.53% of the starting real estate agent pay ($29,214/year) in Lakeville. 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 Lakeville
- 1Research the Lakeville market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $29,214 to $34,546, 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 Lakeville, 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 Lakeville for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lakeville'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 Lakeville is $39,958 ( 136.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $29,214, experienced hygienists can earn up to $69,172.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$21,763
2025 BLS Actual
$28,782
2026 Current Est.
$29,214
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Lakeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21,763 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,912 | Actual |
| 2021 | $24,679 | Actual |
| 2022 | $25,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,330 | Actual |
| 2025 | $28,782 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29,214 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29,652 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Lakeville, MN grew 32.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $21,763 in 2019 to $28,782 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $29,652. New graduates entering the Lakeville job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lakeville 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 Lakeville
When it comes to finding employment, national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker frequently hire new agents in Lakeville, offering structured training and mentorship opportunities. These companies typically have team-oriented operations that help entry-level agents start as buyer's agents, often including a mix of salary and bonuses as part of the compensation package. To excel in this role, aspiring agents should focus on obtaining a state real estate sales license, which requires completing a pre-license course and passing an exam. Furthering one's education to earn designations such as the NAR REALTOR® designation or even specialized certifications can elevate starting pay and open additional career pathways. With the industry undergoing significant changes following the 2024 NAR settlement impacting commission structures, understanding these adjustments will be crucial for new agents. Overall, by strategically navigating the first few years and aligning with established brokerages, entry-level agents in Lakeville can set a solid foundation for salary growth and career advancement.
More salary data for Lakeville, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Is real estate school worth it in Lakeville?
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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 Lakeville. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lakeville 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