Real Estate Agent Salary in Baltimore, MD: $52,161 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Baltimore, MD earns a median $52,161/year (≈ $25.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Baltimore's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 104.5), that paycheck buys what $49,921 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.0% below the Maryland state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, real estate agents in Baltimore, MD can expect to earn a median annual salary of $52,161, slightly below the national median of $53,622. Their earnings will range from $37,717 at the lower 10th percentile to as high as $120,785 for those in the top 90th percentile. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the variety of agents' success typically influenced by their choice of independent contracting, team structures, or brokerage affiliations. For instance, those working with luxury or commercial properties may see significantly higher earnings compared to their residential counterparts. Thus, understanding one's position within the competitive landscape of Baltimore's real estate market is crucial for potential agents.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,717 | $18.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,981 | $19.22 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,161 | $25.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,160 | $38.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $120,785 | $58.07 |
Median Salary Position
2.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Baltimore
In Baltimore, MD, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,068 (2026 est.). At $52,161, the local median is 2.72% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Baltimore: You'd be in the entry-level range
How Baltimore Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Baltimore median: $52,161/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Baltimore Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $58,608 | -11.00% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -2.72% less |
Real Estate Agents in Baltimore, MD earn a median of $52,161 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.72% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 11.00% below the Maryland state average of $58,608.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Baltimore has a cost of living 4.49% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Baltimore, MD has a cost-of-living index of 104.487 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $52,161 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $49,921 — a 4.29% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,060
2025 BLS Actual
$51,390
2026 Current Est.
$52,161
2019–2027 Growth
+42.9%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Baltimore (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,060 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,330 | Actual |
| 2021 | $62,350 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,810 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,850 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,120 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,390 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,161 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Baltimore metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 38.7% from $37,060 (2019) to $51,390 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,883 (42.86%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Baltimore 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) | $37,717 – $39,981 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,981 – $52,161 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,161 – $79,160 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,160 – $120,785 |
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 Baltimore
Baltimore's job market for real estate agents remains robust, with approximately 1,490 professionals actively employed in the field. However, agents should consider the impact of the area's cost-of-living index at 104.487, which suggests that purchasing power may be slightly constrained compared to the national average. National franchise brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX tend to offer some of the highest pay, especially for team-based agents who can capitalize on collective marketing and transaction volume. Conversely, those operating independently may find their earnings substantially affected by commission splits, ranging from the standard 50/50 up to 100% with desk fees. Recent changes in the industry due to the post-2024 NAR commission settlement may also shift compensation structures, making it critical for agents in Baltimore to build strong referral networks and focus on market niches such as high-value properties or commercial listings to maximize their income potential.
More salary data for Baltimore, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do real estate agents make in Baltimore, MD in 2026?
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Can real estate agents make $100K in Baltimore?
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Related Pages
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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 $51,390 for real estate agentsin the Baltimore 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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