Real Estate Agent Salary in Yankton, SD: $47,833 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Yankton, SD earns a median $47,833/year (≈ $23.00/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Yankton's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $51,544 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.9% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the wake of the post-2024 NAR settlement that revised commission structures, the real estate agent salary in Yankton, South Dakota, is projected to reach a median of $47,833 in 2026. This figure represents a notable shift in the local market, where the salary range spans from $31,747 at the lower end to $74,141 for the highest earners. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variances, indicate that while Yankton's pay is lower than the national median of $53,622 by approximately 10.80%, the local job market may still offer unique opportunities for ambitious agents. Increased transaction volume and adjustments in commission splits may provide pathways toward higher earnings for those who strategize effectively in this evolving landscape.
About the Yankton Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,747 | $15.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,015 | $17.79 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,833 | $23.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,226 | $29.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,141 | $35.65 |
Median Salary Position
10.8% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Yankton
In Yankton, SD, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,394 (2026 est.). At $47,833, the local median is 10.8% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Yankton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Yankton Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Yankton median: $47,833/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Yankton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $49,774 | -3.90% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -10.80% less |
Real Estate Agents in Yankton, SD earn a median of $47,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.80% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 3.90% below the South Dakota state average of $49,774.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Yankton has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Yankton, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $47,833 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,544 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,647
2025 BLS Actual
$47,126
2026 Current Est.
$47,833
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Yankton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,647 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,745 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,121 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,584 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,437 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,386 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,126 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,833 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,550 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Yankton metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $43,647 (2019) to $47,126 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,550 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,903 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Yankton 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) | $31,747 – $37,015 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,015 – $47,833 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,833 – $61,226 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,226 – $74,141 |
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 Yankton
With only four real estate agents currently employed in Yankton, the local job market is relatively niche, yet it reveals distinct characteristics that influence compensation. The area's cost of living index stands at 92.8, making it essential for agents to maximize their purchasing power through strategic choices in their business models. National franchise brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX tend to offer better pay compared to independent firms, as they generally provide higher commission splits and support systems that can lead to increased transaction volume. Factors such as specialty markets, including luxury real estate and team dynamics, significantly impact pay disparities. For those contemplating their paths, opting for robust referral networks or specializing in high-value properties could enhance income potential in Yankton's real estate landscape. Understanding the nuances of commission structures and embracing high-performance practices are crucial for achieving a sustainable and rewarding career in the area.
More salary data for Yankton, SD:
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 $47,126 for real estate agentsin the Yankton 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 Yankton 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