Real Estate Agent Salary in Fairfax, VA: $46,019 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Fairfax, VA earns a median $46,019/year (≈ $22.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Fairfax's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $44,592 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.5% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the real estate agent salary in Fairfax is projected to reach $46,019, which falls significantly below the national median of $53,622. The salaries can vary greatly, with a range between $29,797 at the 10th percentile and $71,329 at the 90th percentile. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, reflect not only local economic conditions but also the dynamics of the local real estate market. Factors such as transaction volume and the average price of homes sold in Fairfax directly influence these compensation figures. As the Fairfax real estate market continues to evolve, agents must adapt their strategies to effectively navigate these financial realities, making it essential for them to stay informed about local trends and commission structures.
About the Fairfax Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,797 | $14.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,215 | $16.93 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,019 | $22.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,905 | $28.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,329 | $34.30 |
Median Salary Position
14.18% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Fairfax
In Fairfax, VA, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,532 (2026 est.). At $46,019, the local median is 14.18% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Fairfax: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Fairfax Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Fairfax median: $46,019/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Fairfax Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $48,188 | -4.50% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -14.18% less |
Real Estate Agents in Fairfax, VA earn a median of $46,019 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.18% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 4.50% below the Virginia state average of $48,188.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Fairfax has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Fairfax, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,019 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,592 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,992
2025 BLS Actual
$45,339
2026 Current Est.
$46,019
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Fairfax (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,992 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,086 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,486 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,893 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,601 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,997 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,019 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,709 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Fairfax metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $41,992 (2019) to $45,339 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,709 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,717 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Fairfax 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) | $29,797 – $35,215 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,215 – $46,019 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,019 – $58,905 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,905 – $71,329 |
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 Fairfax
With only four real estate agents currently employed in Fairfax, the local job market may seem limited, yet it operates within a cost-of-living index of 103.2, slightly above the national average. This index affects the take-home purchasing power of agents, motivating them to seek out the most favorable commission structures. Notably, larger national brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX are typically associated with higher salaries compared to independent firms, though luxury firms may offer lucrative opportunities for specialists. High earnings often hinge on transaction volume, commission splits, and housing price averages, along with additional factors like team membership dynamics and referral networks. To maximize pay in this competitive environment, agents should focus on building strong relationships, developing a niche, and aligning with high-performing brokerages or teams to capture a larger share of the market's commission potential.
More salary data for Fairfax, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $45,339 for real estate agentsin the Fairfax 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
Salary data for Fairfax is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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