Business & Finance San Francisco, CA Pop. 873,965

Real Estate Agent Salary in San Francisco, California

The median real estate agent salary in San Francisco, CA is $94,695 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median and 31.9% above the California state average.

City Median
$94,695
vs State Avg
+$22,894
vs National
+$42,665
Cost of Living
182%

Real Estate Agent Pay in San Francisco: What to Expect (2026)

San Francisco offers a median real estate agent salary of $94,695, which is $22,894 above the California state average of $71,801. Compared to the national median of $52,030, San Francisco pays above average for this role.

However, San Francisco's cost of living index is 182%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $94,695 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $52,030. Housing, transportation, and food costs in San Francisco should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for real estate agents in San Francisco spans from $52,416 at the 10th percentile to $204,568 at the 90th percentile — a $152,152 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $54,600, while senior real estate agents with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $200,200. As a major metro area with a population of 873,965, San Francisco typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Real Estate Agent Salary in San Francisco by Experience

In San Francisco, an entry-level real estate agent earns around $54,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $200,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$54,600
+$24,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$100,100
+$45,100 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$200,200
+$90,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in San Francisco, CA

Percentile San Francisco
10th Percentile $52,416
25th Percentile $64,428
Median (50th) $94,695
75th Percentile $138,684
90th Percentile $204,568

Real Estate Agent Salary in Other California Cities

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in San Francisco

Education

Most real estate agent positions require a high school diploma. San Francisco and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

NegotiationMarket AnalysisCustomer ServiceMLS SystemsMarketingContract Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, real estate agent employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in San Francisco may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Real Estate Agent Jobs in San Francisco

Browse open real estate agent positions in San Francisco, CA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Agent Salary in San Francisco

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in San Francisco, CA? ▼
The median real estate agent salary in San Francisco, California is $94,695 per year, which is 82.0% above the national median of $52,030. Salaries range from $52,416 (10th percentile) to $204,568 (90th percentile).
How much does a Real Estate Agent make per hour in San Francisco? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $94,695, a real estate agent in San Francisco earns approximately $46 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does San Francisco compare to the California state average for real estate agent pay? ▼
San Francisco's median real estate agent salary of $94,695 is 31.9% above the California state average of $71,801. The local cost of living index is 182% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in San Francisco, CA? ▼
San Francisco has a cost of living index of 182% compared to the national average. This means a real estate agent salary of $94,695 in San Francisco has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a real estate agent in San Francisco? ▼
Most real estate agent positions in San Francisco require a high school diploma. Key skills include Negotiation, Market Analysis, Customer Service, MLS Systems. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.