Real Estate Agent Salary in San Rafael, CA: $63,745 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in San Rafael, CA earns a median $63,745/year (≈ $30.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in San Rafael's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,362 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In San Rafael, California, the real estate agent salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $63,745 in 2026, reflecting a competitive market where real estate professionals can earn between $39,933 and $98,805 depending on various factors including experience, transaction volume, and business model. This compensation level not only surpasses the national median of $53,622 by approximately 18.88% but is also shaped by local economic conditions, specifically the cost of living index of 113.1, which indicates a higher-than-average cost of living. Whether working as a solo agent, within a team, or focusing on commercial properties, the structural choice can significantly influence earnings, with team members often benefiting from shared resources and referral networks, while independent agents may retain a larger commission share at higher risks.
About the San Rafael Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,933 | $19.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,997 | $23.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,745 | $30.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,594 | $39.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,805 | $47.50 |
Median Salary Position
18.88% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Rafael
In San Rafael, CA, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,872 (2026 est.). At $63,745, the local median is 18.88% above the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Rafael: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Rafael Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
San Rafael median: $63,745/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Rafael Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $62,803 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $53,622 | +18.88% more |
Real Estate Agents in San Rafael, CA earn a median of $63,745 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.88% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 1.50% above the California state average of $62,803.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Rafael has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Rafael, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,745 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,362 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,167
2025 BLS Actual
$62,803
2026 Current Est.
$63,745
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in San Rafael (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,167 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,298 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,415 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,550 | Actual |
| 2024 | $105,570 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,745 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64,701 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Rafael metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $58,167 (2019) to $62,803 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $64,701 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,534 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Rafael 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,933 – $47,997 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,997 – $63,745 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,745 – $81,594 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,594 – $98,805 |
REA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual real estate agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Real Estate Agent Job Market in San Rafael
The real estate job market in San Rafael comprises about 11 agents, reflecting a niche yet dynamic scene. Given the elevated cost of living, agents have to carefully consider their take-home purchasing power against their income. Employers range from large national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX to local independent firms and luxury-focused specialty companies. Factors driving compensation disparities include transaction volumes, average sale prices, and the commission split between brokers. Post-2024 changes in the National Association of Realtors' commission structure will further impact earnings, especially for newer agents adjusting to the market's evolving expectations. For those aiming to maximize their real estate agent pay in San Rafael, aligning with successful team operations, tapping into luxury market segments, and developing robust referral networks will be key strategies to thrive in this competitive environment.
More salary data for San Rafael, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $62,803 for real estate agentsin the San Rafael metropolitan area. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for San Rafael 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