Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Carrollton, TX: $26,566 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Carrollton, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $26,566 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Carrollton's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $27,673 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($45,802) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Salaries for new grad real estate agents in Carrollton, Texas, are competitive but vary significantly based on experience and market conditions. In 2026, those just starting in this profession can expect an entry-level salary around $26,566. This figure represents the lower range of the projected salaries, which climb to a median of $45,802 as agents gain experience over time. The substantial gap reflects the potential for growth in the early years; new agents can advance quickly to the 25th percentile at $35,636 and eventually reach the median within three to five years. Carrollton currently presents a promising market for fresh graduates, offering opportunities to drive their earnings through hard work and networking within the vibrant local real estate community.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Carrollton
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 Carrollton
Entry-level real estate agents in Carrollton, TX typically start between $26,566 and $35,636 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,427 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $45,802 — 14.58% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Texas of $2,000 represents just 7.53% of the starting real estate agent pay ($26,566/year) in Carrollton. 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 Carrollton
- 1Research the Carrollton market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $26,566 to $35,636, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Carrollton, 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 Carrollton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Carrollton'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 Carrollton is $44,427 ( 167.23%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $26,566, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,993.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$19,791
2025 BLS Actual
$26,173
2026 Current Est.
$26,566
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19,791 | Actual |
| 2020 | $19,925 | Actual |
| 2021 | $22,442 | Actual |
| 2022 | $23,125 | Actual |
| 2023 | $24,935 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,580 | Actual |
| 2025 | $26,173 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26,566 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26,964 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Carrollton, TX grew 32.2% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $19,791 in 2019 to $26,173 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $26,964. New graduates entering the Carrollton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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 Carrollton
In Carrollton, several reputable national brokerages actively recruit entry-level agents, offering structured training and support that can significantly impact earnings. Franchises like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker are popular choices for new agents, often hiring them as buyer's agents and providing a mix of salary and commission incentives. Additionally, securing a state real estate sales license is crucial for any new graduate in TX, as it paves the way to career advancement and higher pay through designations like the NAR REALTOR®. Considering the recent shake-up in commission structures following the 2024 NAR settlement, new agents must adapt their strategies accordingly. Those working towards becoming part of the top 20% of agents who command the majority of commission income may prioritize gaining experience in commission-based roles that often favor performance. In the first three years, aspiring real estate professionals can realistically expect gradual salary increases as they develop their clientele and business acumen in a growing market like Carrollton.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for real estate agents in Carrollton in 2026?
How fast do real estate agent salaries grow in Carrollton?
Is real estate school worth it in Carrollton?
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How do I become a real estate agent in Texas?
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 Carrollton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carrollton 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