Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Lima, OH: $30,002 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Lima, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,002 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Lima's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,078 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($44,087) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the real estate sector in Lima, OH, can expect a starting real estate agent salary that often begins around $30,002, which is significantly below the city’s median annual salary of $44,087. While this entry-level pay may seem low, there’s potential for growth as agents progress in their careers. With dedication and effective networking, candidates can find their way from initial compensation to the 25th percentile salary of $34,835 within a few years, and possibly reach the median as they build their client base. Realistically, Lima represents a manageable starting point for new grads, especially considering the cost of living index here sits below the national average at 90.7, allowing for more reasonable adjustments to salary expectations.
About the Lima Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Lima
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 Lima
Entry-level real estate agents in Lima, OH typically start between $30,002 and $34,835 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $38,332 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $44,087 — 17.78% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Ohio of $1,800 represents just 6.00% of the starting real estate agent pay ($30,002/year) in Lima. 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 Lima
- 1Research the Lima market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $30,002 to $34,835, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Lima, 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 Lima for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Lima'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 Lima is $38,332 ( 127.76%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,002, experienced hygienists can earn up to $68,334.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,351
2025 BLS Actual
$29,559
2026 Current Est.
$30,002
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Lima (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,351 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,503 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,345 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,116 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,160 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,177 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,559 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,002 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30,452 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Lima, OH grew 32.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,351 in 2019 to $29,559 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $30,452. New graduates entering the Lima job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lima 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 Lima
New real estate agents in Lima often find opportunities through well-established national brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker, which provide structured training and mentorship in exchange for commission splits. These teams often hire new agents as buyer's agents, offering a mix of salary and bonuses to ensure a smoother entry into the market. To enhance their earning potential, new agents should focus on obtaining their state real estate sales license—a prerequisite that involves completing a 60 to 180-hour course and passing an exam. Continued education is also advantageous; pursuing the NAR Realtor designation or additional certifications, such as the Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR), can enhance a new agent's marketability. Given the recent shake-up in commission structures following the 2024 NAR settlement, entry-level agents should embrace a proactive approach and seek mentorship to navigate the competitive landscape effectively, especially as a significant share of income tends to concentrate in the top 20% of the market.
More salary data for Lima, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for real estate agents in Lima in 2026?
How fast do real estate agent salaries grow in Lima?
Is real estate school worth it in Lima?
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How do I become a real estate agent in Ohio?
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 Lima. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lima 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