Real Estate Brokers
Real estate brokers oversee property transactions and manage real estate offices or departments within commercial firms. They sell residential and commercial properties, arrange rentals, and coordinate financing for clients. Brokers work in real estate offices, commercial firms, or may operate their own businesses.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against real estate brokers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves listing properties, meeting with clients to assess their needs, showing available properties, and negotiating terms of sale or lease. Brokers review contracts, arrange property inspections, and coordinate with lenders to finalize financing. Administrative tasks include maintaining client records, tracking market trends, managing staff, and handling paperwork related to transactions.
Who this work suits
Holland code ECS. Enterprising work is leading, persuading and making decisions. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy taking charge of business operations and making strategic decisions—traits central to enterprising work. You also value organization, accuracy in detail, and systematic processes, which draw you to conventional roles. Success here requires balancing your interest in leading ventures with careful attention to legal and financial requirements.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | $100,500 | $111,390 | $111,390 | 1,290 |
| Connecticut | $100,240 | $105,800 | $109,260 | — |
| Utah | $79,070 | $92,830 | $105,670 | — |
| Washington | $82,790 | $82,790 | $96,440 | — |
| Alabama | $75,260 | $82,630 | $82,630 | 460 |
| Michigan | $64,680 | $82,510 | $111,770 | 1,150 |
| Maryland | $56,320 | $81,550 | $125,860 | 430 |
| California | $41,600 | $80,450 | $108,690 | 8,430 |
| New Mexico | $63,670 | $80,340 | $139,700 | — |
| Colorado | $55,750 | $79,970 | $100,310 | 3,280 |
| Virginia | $55,430 | $77,270 | $127,260 | 1,500 |
| Vermont | $66,180 | $76,920 | $87,710 | 80 |
All 36 states
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Real Estate Brokerage Manager (CRB) — Real Estate Business Institute
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against real estate brokers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 41-9021.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.