When considering a career change, most people naturally think about the financial potential of their new path. Before you apply for a license with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, it helps to understand exactly what earning potential lies ahead.
So, how much do real estate agents make in North Carolina? The short answer is that the sky is the limit but understanding the averages and how they work will help you set realistic goals for your new career.
It’s important to note that in North Carolina, the terminology for real estate professionals may differ slightly from other states. A real estate broker refers to the lower license level (e.g., real estate agent or salesperson), while a broker-in-charge refers to the higher license-level professional (e.g., real estate broker). Understanding these distinctions is key as you begin your career in North Carolina’s real estate market.
Key Takeaways
- Unlimited Earning Potential: Your income in North Carolina is directly tied to your performance and dedication, meaning there is no cap on how much you can achieve.
- Significant Average Salaries: Recent data shows that the average income for brokers in North Carolina ranges from approximately $77,000 to over $100,000 annually.
- Compounding Experience Levels: As you grow your network and expertise over several years, your earnings typically increase through repeat clients and high-value referrals.
- Strategic Market Factors: Choosing the right location and specializing in a niche can significantly boost your commissions and overall career success.
How Real Estate Brokers Make Money
Unlike a traditional salaried job, real estate brokers typically earn money through commissions. This model offers incredible flexibility and earning potential because your income is directly tied to your performance and effort.
When an broker helps a client buy or sell a property, they earn a commission based on the final sale price. Historically, the standard total commission rate has hovered around 5–6% of the sale price, split among the buyer’s and seller’s brokers and their brokerages.
Commission structures and splits
It is important to remember that real estate brokers in North Carolina are typically independent contractors working under a brokerage. The commission earned on a deal is usually split between the broker and their brokerage.
Splits vary significantly:
- Traditional Split: A common starting point is a 50/50 or 60/40 split, where the broker keeps the larger portion, and the brokerage takes the rest to cover overhead, training, and brand marketing.
- Sliding Scale: Many brokerages offer a sliding scale in which your split improves as you close more deals or reach higher sales-volume thresholds.
- 100% Commission: Some models allow brokers to keep 100% of their commission in exchange for paying a monthly “desk fee” to the brokerage.
Additional Income Streams
Beyond standard commissions, brokers in North Carolina can diversify their income through:
- Referral Fees: Earning a percentage (often 20–25%) for referring a client to another broker, perhaps in a different city or state
- Broker Price Opinions (BPOs): Completing reports for banks or lenders to value a property
- Property Management: Managing rentals for landlords for a monthly fee
How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in North Carolina?
According to recent data from Indeed (updated December 2025), the average base salary for a real estate broker in North Carolina is $100,939 per year.
However, earnings can vary widely depending on the source and methodology. For instance, ZipRecruiter reports an average annual pay of roughly $77,969 as of January 2026. This range highlights an important truth about real estate: averages are just a starting point. Your income is largely determined by your dedication, your network, and your business strategy.
Full-Time vs. Part-Time Earnings
A major factor in these averages is hours worked. Many brokers treat real estate as a “side hustle,” working evenings and weekends. Full-time brokers who treat their license as a business naturally see higher returns. The Colibri Real Estate Salary report states that full-time brokers can earn significantly more than their part-time counterparts—often double or triple the income once established.
Factors Affecting Real Estate Agent Income in North Carolina
Your paycheck isn’t just about luck. Several key factors influence how much you take home:
Location and market conditions
Real estate is hyper-local. A broker selling luxury condos in downtown Charlotte or vacation homes in Asheville will likely see higher commission checks per transaction than an broker in a rural market with lower average home prices. However, rural markets may offer less competition, allowing you to capture a larger market share.
Niche expertise
Specializing pays off. Brokers who focus on specific niches—such as luxury properties, commercial real estate, or eco-friendly homes—often command higher earnings because they offer specialized value that generalist brokers cannot.
Earnings by experience and seniority
Real estate is a career where experience compounds.
- Entry-Level: In your first year, your focus is on building a pipeline and learning the ropes. Earnings may be lower as you invest time in marketing and lead generation.
- Mid-Level: After 3–5 years, you’ll likely have a steady stream of referrals and repeat clients, stabilizing and increasing your income.
- Senior/Top Producers: Top-tier brokers with established brands and teams can earn well into the six figures, sometimes exceeding $200,000+ annually.
Comparison with Similar Professions and Industries
How does real estate stack up against other career paths in North Carolina?
- Sales Representatives: While sales roles in tech or pharma offer high ceilings, they often come with caps or strict quotas. Real estate offers uncapped potential.
- Property Managers: This role offers more stability with a consistent salary but typically lacks the high-reward potential of commission-based sales.
- Marketing Specialists: Marketing skills are crucial for real estate, but applying them to your own real estate business often yields a higher direct financial return than a salaried marketing role.
Job Outlook and Growth Potential for Real Estate Agents in North Carolina
North Carolina remains a hot destination for relocation, thanks to its quality of life, business-friendly environment, and diverse geography ranging from mountains to coast. As the population grows, the demand for housing, and the brokers who facilitate those transactions, continues to rise.
The future is bright for brokers who adapt to new technologies and market shifts. Whether the market is up or down, people always need to buy and sell homes due to life changes like marriage, jobs, or retirement.
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in North Carolina
Do you like the idea of being your own boss and taking charge of your destiny? Then real estate may be the right industry for you. Whether you plan to work in real estate part-time or full-time, the first step is education.
To obtain your license, you must:
- Complete the 75-hour Broker Pre-licensing Course required by the North Carolina Real Estate Commission.
- Pass the licensing examination.
- Submit your license application and background check.
Colibri Real Estate is a top-rated online real estate school dedicated to your success. We partner with the Superior School of Real Estate in North Carolina to offer flexible learning options—whether you prefer self-paced online courses, livestream classes, or in-person classes. You’ll learn from the state’s most esteemed instructors and gain the practical knowledge you need to thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions About Real Estate Broker Salaries in N.C.
Is it hard to make money as a new real estate broker in North Carolina?
It requires work. The first few months are about planting seeds—networking, marketing, and learning. However, with the right training and mentorship, many new brokers close their first deal within a few months.
Who pays the real estate broker’s commission?
Traditionally, the seller pays the commission for both the listing broker and the buyer’s broker from the proceeds of the sale, though recent industry changes are making buyer broker compensation more negotiable and transparent.
Can I make six figures working part-time?
While possible, it is rare. Reaching the six-figure mark usually requires the focus and availability of a full-time commitment to serve clients effectively.
Do real estate brokers get a base salary?
Most do not; they work on commission. However, some newer brokerage models (like Redfin) offer a base salary plus bonuses, providing more stability at the cost of lower commission upside.
Get started today, and just a few months from now, you could be earning your first commission check. Your successful real estate career is waiting!
Disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only, based on a September 2025 survey of Colibri Real Estate School alumni and publicly available industry sources. While Colibri Real Estate School strives for accuracy, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, reliability, or applicability of the information. Earnings and outcomes vary widely based on factors like location, experience, and market conditions and should not be considered guarantees. This guide does not constitute professional advice. Users should consult additional sources for personalized guidance.
