Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Winona, MN: $27,998 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Winona, MN job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $27,998 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Winona's local price level (BEA RPP 98.5 — 1% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $28,424 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($43,045) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the real estate profession in Winona can expect a starting salary around $27,998. This figure presents a gap compared to the city's median salary of $43,045, indicating the common experience of new agents in the field. While there can be a significant range in earnings—with the potential to reach $66,720 for the top 10% of earners—entry-level professionals should focus on building their skills and networks during their initial years. With a projected growth rate of 1.50%, new graduates can anticipate incremental salary increases, moving up to approximately $33,022 within their first few years. Given the stability of the local market, Winona offers a promising environment for recent graduates and those willing to invest time in developing their careers.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Winona
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 Winona
Entry-level real estate agents in Winona, MN typically start between $27,998 and $33,022 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,722 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $43,045 — 19.73% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Minnesota of $2,200 represents just 7.86% of the starting real estate agent pay ($27,998/year) in Winona. 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 Winona
- 1Research the Winona market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $27,998 to $33,022, 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 Winona, 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 Winona for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Winona'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 Winona is $38,722 ( 138.30%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $27,998, experienced hygienists can earn up to $66,720.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$20,857
2025 BLS Actual
$27,584
2026 Current Est.
$27,998
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20,857 | Actual |
| 2020 | $21,000 | Actual |
| 2021 | $23,652 | Actual |
| 2022 | $24,371 | Actual |
| 2023 | $26,279 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $27,584 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27,998 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28,418 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Winona, MN grew 32.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $20,857 in 2019 to $27,584 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $28,418. New graduates entering the Winona job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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 Winona
Among the companies hiring newly licensed agents in Winona are national franchise brokerages such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker. These organizations often provide structured training programs and mentorship opportunities, allowing new agents to learn from experienced professionals while earning commissions. Additionally, some firms operate team-based models, where entry-level agents function as buyers' agents within a supportive environment that may offer a salary and bonus structure. To enhance earning potential in Minnesota, it's essential for new agents to pursue the state real estate sales license and consider additional credentials that can boost their marketability, such as the NAR REALTOR® designation. As the industry adjusts post-2024 following significant commission changes, agents should be strategic about leveraging their networks and skills during the critical first three years, recognizing that those who excel will find opportunities as a substantial portion of commissions are concentrated among the leading 20% in the field. Ultimately, while starting pay may be lower than the national average, smart career moves and ongoing education can position new grad real estate agents for greater success in the evolving landscape of the Winona market.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Winona. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Winona 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