Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Bothell, WA: $48,613 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Bothell, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $48,613 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bothell's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,264 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($71,685) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Entering the real estate field in Bothell, Washington, can offer promising initial compensation for new graduates. In 2026, the projected starting salary for entry-level positions hovers around $48,613, which is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $71,685. This gap illustrates the typical trajectory for early-career agents, as they can expect to progressively move towards the median within their first few years, going through salary milestones like $56,460 at the 25th percentile. These figures make Bothell a viable market for new real estate graduates, particularly given its robust residential market and ongoing growth, enabling an upward path for earnings as they gain experience and build their client base.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Bothell
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 Bothell
Entry-level real estate agents in Bothell, WA typically start between $48,613 and $56,460 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $62,499 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $71,685 — 33.69% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Washington of $3,000 represents just 6.17% of the starting real estate agent pay ($48,613/year) in Bothell. 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 Bothell
- 1Research the Bothell market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $48,613 to $56,460, 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 WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bothell, 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 Bothell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Bothell'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 Bothell is $62,499 ( 128.56%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $48,613, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,112.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$36,215
2025 BLS Actual
$47,895
2026 Current Est.
$48,613
2019–2027 Growth
+36.3%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36,215 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,462 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,067 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,317 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,629 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,587 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,895 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,613 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,343 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Bothell, WA grew 32.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $36,215 in 2019 to $47,895 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,343. New graduates entering the Bothell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bothell 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 Bothell
For those seeking to kick-start their real estate careers in Bothell, targeting well-known brokerages can facilitate access to essential training and mentorship. Firms like Keller Williams and Coldwell Banker frequently hire new agents, offering structured commission splits coupled with potential salary boosts through bonus structures. To enhance earning potential, obtaining the state real estate sales license—a process requiring 60-180 hours of coursework and an exam—is essential. Additionally, pursuing the NAR REALTOR® designation can further validate an agent’s expertise. In the current industry climate, where the 1099 contractor model prevails, it is crucial for newcomers to employ strategic networking and continuous education in their first years to increase earning capacity, especially following the 2024 NAR settlement changes in commission structures. Realistic salary growth within those early years could lead to competitive earnings as agents establish their footing in this evolving market.
More salary data for Bothell, WA:
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 Bothell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Bothell 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