Real estate agent earnings in Australia vary enormously — from $65,000 to well over $200,000 — primarily because most agents are paid on a commission-based or heavily commission-weighted structure. Base salaries are typically low; the majority of earnings come from sales commissions.
How Real Estate Agent Pay Works in Australia
Most real estate agents in Australia receive:
- A base salary of $45,000–$70,000, OR
- A retainer of $40,000–$60,000 with commission on top, OR
- Commission only (self-employed structure)
Commission rates in residential sales typically range from 1.5% to 3.5% of the property sale price, split between the agency (typically 50–70%) and the agent (30–50%).
On a $900,000 sale with a 2.5% commission split at 60/40 (agency/agent): the agent earns approximately $9,000 per sale before tax.
Real Estate Agent Earnings by Experience
| Career Stage | Total Earnings (On Target Estimate) |
|---|---|
| New / junior agent | $55,000–$80,000 |
| Property manager | $60,000–$90,000 |
| Sales agent (2–5 years) | $80,000–$130,000 |
| Senior sales agent | $120,000–$200,000 |
| Top performer / principal | $200,000–$500,000+ |
Top-performing agents in Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth who consistently list and sell $2M–$5M+ properties can earn significantly more than these ranges.
Real Estate Agent Earnings by City
| City | Typical Sales Agent OTE |
|---|---|
| Sydney | $100,000–$250,000+ |
| Melbourne | $90,000–$200,000+ |
| Brisbane | $80,000–$160,000 |
| Perth | $85,000–$180,000 |
| Adelaide | $70,000–$130,000 |
| Regional areas | $60,000–$110,000 |
Sydney and Melbourne agents benefit from higher property prices, generating larger commissions per sale.
Property Manager vs Sales Agent
| Role | Typical Salary |
|---|---|
| Property manager (residential) | $58,000–$90,000 |
| BDM (business development manager) | $75,000–$110,000 |
| Residential sales agent | $80,000–$200,000+ |
| Commercial sales / leasing agent | $90,000–$250,000+ |
Property managers receive a fixed salary or salary + bonus structure, unlike sales agents on commission.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do real estate agents earn in Australia?
It varies dramatically. New agents may earn $60,000–$80,000 total in their first 1–2 years. Experienced sales agents in major cities typically earn $100,000–$200,000. Top performers earn $300,000–$500,000+. Property managers earn $60,000–$90,000.
What commission do real estate agents earn in Australia?
Commissions vary by agency and market but typically range from 1.5% to 3.5% of the sale price. Agents generally receive 30–50% of the commission earned by the agency. On a $1M sale at 2% commission, the agency earns $20,000; the agent’s cut might be $8,000–$10,000.
Do you need a licence to sell real estate in Australia?
Yes — all states require a real estate licence or certificate of registration. Requirements vary by state but generally involve completing a Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice (CPP41419) or state-specific equivalent.
Related Guides
- What Is a Good Salary in Australia?
- Average Salary Australia 2025–26
- Good Salary in Sydney
- Income by Occupation — All Careers
Salary and commission data sourced from SEEK, REA Group, Real Estate Institute of Australia (REIA), and Hays. Figures are approximate. This is general information only.