Real Estate Agent Salary in Johnston, IA: $44,992 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Johnston, IA earns a median $44,992/year (≈ $21.63/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $49,770 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.2% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Johnston, Iowa, the projected annual salary for real estate agents in 2026 is set at $44,992. This figure represents a significant drop when compared to the national median of $53,622, revealing a local market in transition due to the post-2024 NAR settlement that altered commission structures. The salary range for real estate professionals in the area spans from $30,995 at the lower end to $69,738 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. These estimates derive from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional cost of living factors, which are particularly relevant in Johnston where the cost of living index stands at 90.4, well below the national average. As the housing market evolves, prospective agents in Johnston must adapt their strategies to navigate these changes effectively.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,995 | $14.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,641 | $17.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,992 | $21.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,590 | $27.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,738 | $33.53 |
Median Salary Position
16.09% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, IA, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,743 (2026 est.). At $44,992, the local median is 16.09% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Johnston median: $44,992/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $48,483 | -7.20% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -16.09% less |
Real Estate Agents in Johnston, IA earn a median of $44,992 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.09% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 7.20% below the Iowa state average of $48,483.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $44,992 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,770 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,055
2025 BLS Actual
$44,327
2026 Current Est.
$44,992
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,055 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,147 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,560 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,665 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,992 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,667 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $41,055 (2019) to $44,327 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,667 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,612 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $30,995 – $35,641 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,641 – $44,992 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,992 – $57,590 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,590 – $69,738 |
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 Johnston
When considering real estate agent pay in Johnston, IA, it's essential to note that only four agents are presently employed in the area, indicating a niche market with limited competition. The lower cost of living offers a more favorable environment for earning potential, enhancing take-home purchasing power relative to operating costs. Among local employment options, national franchise brokerages such as Keller Williams and RE/MAX often provide more lucrative opportunities through stable commission splits. To maximize earning potential, agents should focus on high transaction volumes and consider entering luxury or commercial segments, which typically command higher commission rates. Additionally, building a strong referral network can significantly impact earnings. Overall, understanding local market dynamics and leveraging available resources will be key for those aiming to boost their real estate agent salary in Johnston.
More salary data for Johnston, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Career Resources
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 $44,327 for real estate agentsin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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