How Much Do Real Estate Agents Make in Georgia?

According to Indeed, the average salary for a real estate agent in the United States is just under $99,000 a year. That’s a bit higher than the mean annual wage for a real estate sales agent according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Their latest data from May of 2023 puts the average annual salary for a real estate agent at a respectable $69,610. The median salary is $54,300 a year.

Meanwhile, the National Association of REALTORS® found in January 2024 the median gross income of a Realtor was $56,400.

But of course, everything in real estate is local, including how much a real estate agent makes. The national average includes all real estate agents, but what about professionals who work in Georgia? How much do real estate agents in Georgia make? Let’s break it down to find out!

Georgia Real Estate Agent vs. Realtor

Getting a real estate license does not make someone a Realtor (also written as REALTOR®). That person would simply be called a real estate agent. However, most real estate professionals join a local board of Realtors, such as the National Association of REALTORS®. The state of Georgia also has its own association of REALTORS®.

NAR outlines a Code of Ethics that all of their members must follow. Consequences for violating these published codes of ethics can include disciplinary action and loss of membership, as well as potential litigation.

Do Realtors Make More Than Real Estate Agents in Georgia?

Because Realtors have earned an additional designation and are held to a higher ethical standard it’s understandable that they tend to make a little more money than a real estate agent in Georgia. However, being a Realtor doesn’t grant you a higher commission split than if you were just a real estate agent, and it doesn’t guarantee you’ll get more clients.

But there are additional perks to joining the National Association of Realtors that can help an agent boost their income. Being a Realtor gives you access to education and training resources, offers members information on local legislation and regulation that impact the real estate industry, and probably most importantly of all, makes you part of a larger group of Realtors. This means more networking opportunities to make connections that can help you sell more houses!

So while joining your local board of REALTORS® might not automatically give you a higher income, your member benefits could definitely aid in a lucrative real estate career.

How Are Real Estate Agents Paid in Georgia?

Real estate agents don’t have a typical salary or hourly rate, but instead, work off commission. The commission you'll earn as a real estate agent in Georgia can vary. Agents just entering the field might receive a lower commission split (for example, a first-year agent often receives about 50% of the commission paid to the broker).

Most real estate agents are paid through a listing agreement, which is signed by the seller and the listing agent. The listing broker then shares part of that commission with the brokerage that represents the buyer. So in actuality, each brokerage usually takes 50% of the total commission, and then the brokerage splits their half with the real estate agent who completed the sale.

So How Much Does a Real Estate Agent Make in Georgia?

According to BLS data from May 2023, the average annual income for a real estate agent in Georgia is $64,410. While that’s slightly lower than the national average, it’s still higher than the average income in Georgia. The average annual salary in Georgia for all occupations is $61,250.

Indeed.com data came up with a significantly higher figure based on their job listings. They state that the average real estate agent in Georgia makes $96,796 a year.

But that’s for the entire state. How much you make as a real estate agent largely depends on the market where you work. Let’s break the income down by city:

How much do real estate agents make in Atlanta?

If you’re in Atlanta and thinking about getting your real estate license, you could potentially make an average of $95,215 per year according to Indeed.com. The BLS numbers are more conservative, but Atlanta real estate agents do earn more on average with an annual salary of $69,200. With a population of almost 500,000 people, Atlanta is currently the most populous city in the state, making it a booming real estate market area. According to Realtor.com, in April 2024, the median listing home price in Atlanta was $414K, trending up slightly year-over-year.

How much do real estate agents make in Augusta?

For those who are looking to get their real estate license in a slightly smaller city, Augusta might be the place for you. With a population of almost 200,000, Augusta is almost half the size of Atlanta, but the Augusta-Richmond metro is growing. So if you’d like to start your new real estate career, this may be a great place. In this quieter city, the BLS reports that Augusta real estate agents make an average of $61,070 per year, while Indeed puts the annual salary at $95,959.

How much do real estate agents make in Savannah?

Boasting a population that’s grown to over 148,000, Savannah is a smaller Georgia city than the others on this list, but that doesn't mean it isn’t a lucrative market for real estate. Savannah real estate agents make an average of $61,090 according to the BLS. Indeed puts the annual income of a Savannah real estate agent at a little over $96,000. Known for its manicured parks, well-preserved architecture, and gorgeous coastal landscapes, Savannah is sure to see an influx of visitors each year who may want to call the city home in the near future.

While these are only averages in three particular cities in Georgia, remember that there is no limit to how much a real estate agent can make. Building a reputation in your area and becoming an expert in the field will help you increase your annual income above the average.

If you’re interested in a Georgia real estate career, you have to start with getting your license. Begin your journey today with our Georgia pre-licensing course!