Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Huron, SD: $31,121 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Huron, SD job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $31,121 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Huron's local price level (BEA RPP 92.8 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $33,536 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,891) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
New graduates entering the real estate market in Huron, SD can expect to see a starting salary of around $31,121 in 2026. While the city median salary for real estate agents is projected to be $45,891 that same year, new agents will likely find themselves at the lower end of the pay scale initially. As they gain experience and skill, salaries can grow significantly; reaching approximately $35,994 within the first few years is realistic for many early-career agents. Considering the projected annual growth rate of 1.50%, Huron appears to be a favorable market for prospective agents looking to establish their careers, especially when they leverage local training programs or mentorship opportunities offered by established brokerages.
About the Huron Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Huron
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 Huron
Entry-level real estate agents in Huron, SD typically start between $31,121 and $35,994 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,010 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,891 — 14.42% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in South Dakota of $1,200 represents just 3.86% of the starting real estate agent pay ($31,121/year) in Huron. 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 Huron
- 1Research the Huron market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $31,121 to $35,994, 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 SD often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Huron, 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 Huron for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Huron'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 Huron is $40,010 ( 128.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $31,121, experienced hygienists can earn up to $71,131.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,184
2025 BLS Actual
$30,661
2026 Current Est.
$31,121
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Huron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,184 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,342 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,290 | Actual |
| 2022 | $27,090 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,210 | Actual |
| 2024 | $27,482 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31,121 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,588 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Huron, SD grew 32.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,184 in 2019 to $30,661 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,588. New graduates entering the Huron job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Huron 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 Huron
In Huron, national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker are among the primary employers hiring entry-level real estate agents. These firms typically offer structured training and mentorship, which can be particularly beneficial for new grads. Additionally, having a state real estate sales license is crucial; completing a 60-180 hour pre-license course and passing the state exam allows new agents to start practicing legally. Continuing education credentials, such as the NAR REALTOR® designation, can enhance credibility and potentially increase starting pay in South Dakota. It's vital for agents in their initial years to adapt to the changing commission structure following the 2024 NAR settlement, as many will work as 1099 independent contractors who share commission with their brokerage. For those in residential real estate, focusing on building a solid referral network while gaining experience can lead to salary growth in the early years, making Huron a promising place for new grad real estate agent pay in SD.
More salary data for Huron, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for real estate agents in Huron in 2026?
How fast do real estate agent salaries grow in Huron?
Is real estate school worth it in Huron?
What do new real estate agents make right out of school in Huron?
How do I become a real estate agent in South Dakota?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in South Dakota
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 Huron. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Huron 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