Average Real Estate Agent Salary in Ohio
Real Estate Agents in Ohio earn an average of $52,952 per year across 3 metro areas. This is +6.5% lower than the national average.
Average Salary
$52,952
per year
Hourly Rate
$25.46
per hour
vs National
-6.5%
$56,620 national
Salary Range
$34,182
to $76,695
About Real Estate Agent Careers in Ohio
Real estate agents represent buyers and sellers in property transactions, earning commissions based on sale price rather than a fixed salary — which makes compensation highly variable but uncapped. The median annual earnings for real estate agents are approximately $54,300, but this figure is skewed by the large number of part-time agents; top-producing agents and brokers in high-value markets regularly earn $150,000–$500,000+. Real estate is simultaneously one of the most accessible careers to enter (requiring only a state license exam) and one of the most challenging to succeed in long-term — over half of new agents leave within two years. Success depends on building a referral network, mastering local market knowledge, and consistently generating buyer and seller leads.
In Ohio, real estate agents earn an average of $52,952 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $34,182 for entry-level roles to $76,695 for the most experienced professionals — +6.5% below the national average. Pay is influenced most by transaction volume and average sale price — income scales directly with both, market segment — luxury real estate, commercial, and investment property transactions yield larger commissions, and the specific metro area within Ohio.
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$52,952
Cost of Living Index
91
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$58,189
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Ohio's cost of living (below average), a Real Estate Agent's salary of $52,952 has the purchasing power of $58,189 in an average-cost area.
Real Estate Agent Salary by City in Ohio
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Columbus, OH | $53,453 | $25.70/hr | $33,860 | $78,465 | 414 |
| Cincinnati, OH | $52,844 | $25.41/hr | $34,135 | $77,515 | 361 |
| Cleveland, OH | $52,558 | $25.27/hr | $34,550 | $74,106 | 367 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Ohio vs National Average
Real Estate Agent Salary Comparison
Employment in Ohio
There are approximately 1,142 Real Estate Agents employed across 3 metro areas in Ohio.
Key Industries: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
State Income Tax: 0% - 3.99%
Real Estate Agent Salary Range in Ohio
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$34,182
Starting salary for new Real Estate Agents
Median (50th Percentile)
$52,952
Mid-career Real Estate Agent salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$76,695
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Ohio
Real Estate Agent Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Real Estate Agent salaries in Ohio with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Real Estate Agent Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Real Estate Agent salary in Ohio?
The average Real Estate Agent salary in Ohio is $52,952 per year ($25.46/hour) based on 2026 data across 3 metro areas. This is 6.5% below the national average of $56,620.
What is the highest paying city for Real Estate Agents in Ohio?
Columbus, OH is the highest paying city for Real Estate Agents in Ohio, with a median salary of $53,453 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Cleveland, OH at $52,558.
What is the salary range for Real Estate Agents in Ohio?
Real Estate Agent salaries in Ohio range from $34,182 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $76,695 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $52,952 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Ohio. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.