Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Hattiesburg, MS: $20,320 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Hattiesburg, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $20,320 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hattiesburg's local price level (BEA RPP 87.6 — 12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $23,188 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($40,072) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the real estate profession in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the starting real estate agent salary in 2026 is projected to be around $20,320 as a tenth percentile figure. This is substantially below the median annual salary of $40,072, which indicates a notable gap for new graduates. However, there is potential for growth as entry-level agents often see their compensation increase significantly within the first few years—becoming more competitive with the city median by climbing from the tenth percentile at $20,320 to approximately $26,167 at the twenty-fifth percentile. This upward trajectory illustrates that while initial earnings may be modest, Hattiesburg presents a viable market for new real estate professionals ready to build their careers and client networks.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hattiesburg
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 Hattiesburg
Entry-level real estate agents in Hattiesburg, MS typically start between $20,320 and $26,167 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $70,908 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $40,072 — 25.27% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Mississippi of $1,000 represents just 4.92% of the starting real estate agent pay ($20,320/year) in Hattiesburg. 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 Hattiesburg
- 1Research the Hattiesburg market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $20,320 to $26,167, 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 MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hattiesburg, 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 Hattiesburg for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hattiesburg'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 Hattiesburg is $70,908 ( 348.96%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $20,320, experienced hygienists can earn up to $91,228.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$16,830
2025 BLS Actual
$20,020
2026 Current Est.
$20,320
2019–2027 Growth
+22.5%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Hattiesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16,830 | Actual |
| 2020 | $17,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $18,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $20,800 | Actual |
| 2023 | $25,740 | Actual |
| 2024 | $23,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $20,020 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $20,320 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $20,625 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Hattiesburg, MS grew 19.0% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $16,830 in 2019 to $20,020 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $20,625. New graduates entering the Hattiesburg job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hattiesburg 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 Hattiesburg
New graduates looking to make their mark in the Hattiesburg real estate scene should consider aligning with established national franchises like Keller Williams and RE/MAX. These companies are known for hiring new agents and offer structured training programs along with mentoring opportunities, often compensating entry-level agents with commission-split models that can yield additional income through performance bonuses. Completing the state real estate sales license program—requiring 60 to 180 hours of pre-license coursework and passing an exam—is essential for initial employment, while further credentials such as the NAR REALTOR® designation can enhance earning potential. Given the changing commission structure in the industry after the 2024 NAR settlement, new agents often operate as 1099 independent contractors, meaning understanding commission splits with brokerages is crucial. Realistically, entry-level professionals can anticipate gradual income growth within their first three years as they build expertise and a client base, ultimately positioning themselves for more lucrative opportunities as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Hattiesburg, MS:
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 Hattiesburg. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-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