Real Estate Agent Salary in Sterling, VA: $46,249 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Sterling, VA earns a median $46,249/year (≈ $22.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Sterling's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $44,815 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sterling, Virginia, the median annual compensation for real estate agents is projected to be $46,249 in 2026, reflecting a challenging adjustment in the wake of the recent commission structure reform following the 2024 NAR settlement. This salary does, however, indicate a significant variance, with the lower 10% earning around $30,814 and the upper 90% potentially making as much as $71,686. These figures result from estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the local cost of living, which exceeds the national average with an index of 103.2. Thus, while Sterling presents unique earning potential, local agents must adapt to fluctuating market dynamics to optimize their income potential in this evolving landscape.
About the Sterling Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,814 | $14.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,137 | $16.89 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,249 | $22.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,199 | $28.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,686 | $34.47 |
Median Salary Position
13.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Sterling
In Sterling, VA, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,872 (2026 est.). At $46,249, the local median is 13.75% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Sterling: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Sterling Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Sterling median: $46,249/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Sterling Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $48,227 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -13.75% less |
Real Estate Agents in Sterling, VA earn a median of $46,249 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.75% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 4.10% below the Virginia state average of $48,227.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Sterling has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Sterling, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,249 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $44,815 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$42,202
2025 BLS Actual
$45,566
2026 Current Est.
$46,249
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Sterling (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,202 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,297 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,693 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,108 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,834 | Actual |
| 2024 | $67,333 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,566 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,249 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Sterling metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $42,202 (2019) to $45,566 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,741 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Sterling 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) | $30,814 – $35,137 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,137 – $46,249 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,249 – $59,199 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,199 – $71,686 |
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 Sterling
The local job market is relatively small, with just seven real estate agents currently employing their expertise in Sterling. This limited pool can affect competitive pay dynamics and ultimately influence earnings. Given the cost of living realities, real estate agents must prioritize strategies that enhance their take-home income. Agents affiliated with national franchise brokerages may find more stability and higher pay, particularly those engaged in luxury sales or commercial transactions. The dispersion in salaries often stems from varying transaction volumes and average sales prices, along with commission splits that can range widely, exacerbated by the recent changes in commission structures. For those considering a move to Sterling or entering the market here, aligning with reputable teams or establishing a strong referral network can significantly impact overall earnings, especially in a market facing ongoing adjustments in compensation models since the NAR's reforms.
More salary data for Sterling, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do real estate agents make in Sterling, VA in 2026?
Is Sterling, VA a good place to work as a real estate agent?
Can real estate agents make $100K in Sterling?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted real estate agent salary in Sterling?
How much does a real estate agent make per hour in Sterling?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $45,566 for real estate agentsin the Sterling 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 Sterling 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