Missouri real estate commission rates are an average of 5.79% of a property’s purchase price, according to a 2024 survey conducted by FastExpert. This is slightly higher than the average real estate commission in the U.S., which is 5.57%. If you want to become a real estate agent in The Show-Me State, this information may help you understand how many properties at a specific price point you need to help sell to make your desired income.
Keep reading as we teach you how to calculate real estate commissions in Missouri. We’ll tell you how real estate commissions are calculated, who pays them, and the average real estate commission in Missouri’s ten most populated cities. We’ll also discuss how the proposed National Association of REALTORS® settlement may affect the salary of real estate agents.
How Real Estate Agent Commission Works in Missouri
Most real estate agents do not earn a regular salary. Instead, they work solely on commission. Variations of commission-based compensation for real estate agents have existed since the 1950s. However, some expect changes to the commission structure, especially for buyer’s agents, as a result of the recent NAR lawsuit.
Regardless of how commission changes may affect the Missouri market in months to come, as a real estate agent, you’ll still be in high demand. And you’ll earn more money the more transactions you oversee.
Related: How Do REALTORS Get Paid? What Every Agent Needs to Know!
How is the real estate commission in Missouri calculated?
Typically, seller’s agents agree to provide services to their clients for a set commission rate. The seller’s agent often shares this commission with the buyer’s agent. Once the transaction is complete, the commission rate is multiplied by the property sale price to determine how much real estate professionals earn.
This system may change. Seller’s agents can no longer advertise the buyer’s agent commission on an MLS. However, they may still share their commissions with agents who find buyers for their listings – or a seller may agree to compensate the buyer’s agent directly. In some cases, a buyer’s agent may work for a flat fee paid by the buyer.
Real estate agents following the traditional structure earn a commission based on the property’s sale price. According to Zillow, the average home value in Missouri is currently $248,331. Since Missouri’s average negotiated commission rate is 5.79%, real estate professionals will receive $14,378 for overseeing the average transaction.
Who pays the real estate commission in Missouri?
In Missouri, the seller typically pays the real estate commission. However, technically, the seller may ask more for a property knowing that part of the sale’s profits will go to pay real estate agents.
Again, this fee structure may change due to the recent NAR settlement. More buyer agents may be paid a flat fee (or percentage commission) directly by their buyer clients.
Does the real estate commission rate in Missouri fluctuate over time?
Despite recent headlines and increased competition from online real estate companies, the real estate commission rates in Missouri and the rest of the country have remained relatively steady in the U.S. – at around 6%. Real estate commission rates have always been negotiable and will stay that way for the foreseeable future.
Average Real Estate Commission Rate in Missouri
The average real estate commission rate in Missouri is 5.79%.
According to data collected by Colibri Real Estate, the average income of a real estate agent in Missouri is $71,759.
Average Missouri real estate commission rate by city
Below is the average home value in Missouri’s ten most populated cities. Based on a 5.79% commission rate, here’s how much real estate professionals earn by selling an average Missouri property.
Average Real Estate Commission for 10 Missouri Cities
| City | Average Home Value | 5.79% Real Estate Commission |
| Kansas City, MO | $241,555 | $13,986 |
| St. Louis, MO | $181,513 | $10,510 |
| Springfield, MO | $233,376 | $13,512 |
| Columbia, MO | $298,619 | $17,290 |
| Independence, MO | $198,967 | $11,520 |
| Lee’s Summit, MO | $377,808 | $21,875 |
| O’Fallon, MO | $360,213 | $20,856 |
| St. Charles, MO | $331,304 | $19,182 |
| St. Joseph, MO | $157,929 | $9,144 |
| Blue Springs, MO | $295,345 | $17,100 |
Source for Average Home Value: Zillow. July 2024
As mentioned earlier, this 5.79% commission is typically split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents and their brokerages. Real estate agents must also pay taxes on those earnings.
Average Missouri real estate commission rate by property type
So far, we have focused on residential real estate commissions in MO. However, some real estate agents focus on commercial real estate – or another niche.
Some commercial real estate transactions use the same 6% commission rate. Other commercial commissions are graduated (5% up to $1M, 4% of $1M-$5M, for example). Finally, some commercial real estate agents in Missouri negotiate for a flat fee. Commercial real estate commissions vary depending on the property’s location, market conditions, and the complexity of the deal.
If you focus on commercial real estate in Missouri, take as many continuing education courses and specialized training as possible to help you better serve this industry segment.
How Is the Commission Divided Between Agents in Missouri?
The 5.79% real estate commission is typically shared between the buyer’s and seller’s agents – and their respective brokerages. Here’s an example of what this commission split may look like for an average transaction.
Example of How Commission Splits Work in Missouri Real Estate for a $248,331 Property
| Item | Amount |
| Sale Price of home | $248,331 |
| Total commission paid to real estate professionals | $14,378 |
| Seller’s agent commission (based on a 50/50 split) | $3,595 |
| Seller’s agent’s brokerage commission | $3,595 |
| Buyer’s agent commission (based on a 50/50 split) | $3,595 |
| Buyer’s agent’s brokerage commission | $3,595 |
We hope these numbers give you some understanding of how much you may expect to earn working as a real estate agent in Missouri.
Being a real estate agent is a rewarding full-time profession or side gig with unlimited income potential. The sooner you start the licensing process, the faster you can earn these impressive commissions. So, sign up today for your pre-licensing courses with Colibri Real Estate School.
Colibri Real Estate offers two ways to take your Missouri real estate classes – online at your own pace or via virtual livestream. (We now offer audio real estate courses! Learn during your commute or while waiting for your kid at soccer practice.) No matter what format you choose, you can be assured that you’ll receive a quality education designed by local experts.
Key Takeaways
- The average real estate commission rate in Missouri is 5.79%, slightly higher than the national average of 5.57%. This rate typically covers the services of both the buyer’s and seller’s agents.
- In Missouri, the seller usually pays the real estate commission, which is a percentage of the property’s sale price. This commission is typically split between the buyer’s and seller’s agents and their brokerages. However, this structure might change due to recent legal developments affecting how commissions are disclosed and paid.
- The income for real estate agents in Missouri depends on the property’s sale price and the commission rate. For example, with an average home value of $248,331, the commission for overseeing a transaction would be around $14,378, split among the involved parties.
- While commission rates have remained relatively stable, the structure might evolve. Despite potential changes, demand for real estate agents in Missouri remains high, offering substantial earning potential, particularly for those specializing in different property types like commercial real estate.
