Updated for 2026

Virginia Real Estate Agent Salary & Income Guide

How much do real estate agents make in Virginia? Here's the complete breakdown of average income, first-year earnings, commission structure, and top-paying cities.

$61,000

Average Salary

$39,650

First Year Income

$109,800

Top Producers

+11%

vs National Avg

Virginia Real Estate Agent Salary by Experience Level

Experience LevelAnnual IncomeEst. Deals/Year
You are hereFirst Year (New Agent)
$39,6504
Average Agent (3-5 years)
$61,0006
Experienced Agent (5-10 years)
$82,3508
Top Producer (10+ years)
$109,80010

* Estimates based on Virginia average home prices and typical 2.5% buyer/seller agent commission split. Actual income varies by market, brokerage split, and individual performance.

How Real Estate Agent Commissions Work in Virginia

Average commission rate5-6%
Agent split (typical)50-70%
Average home price (US)$400,000
Average commission per deal$10,000-$12,000

Commission Calculation Example (Virginia)

Home sale price$457,500
Total commission (5%)$22,875
Agent side (50%)$11,438
After brokerage split (60/40)$6,863

Virginia vs National Average

Virginia Average$61,000/year
National Average$55,000/year

Virginia agents earn 11% more than the national average.

How to Maximize Your Income as a Virginia Real Estate Agent

Pass the Exam on Your First Try

Every month studying instead of selling costs you potential income. With a 55% pass rate in Virginia, proper exam prep is essential.

Build a Referral Network Early

Top agents generate 50%+ of business from referrals. Start networking from day one — past clients, other agents, and local businesses.

Specialize in a Niche Market

Focus on a specific neighborhood or property type in Virginia. Specialists command higher commissions and close deals faster.

Choose the Right Brokerage

New agents should prioritize training and mentorship over commission split. A good brokerage can help you close your first 10 deals much faster.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do real estate agents make in Virginia?

The average real estate agent in Virginia earns approximately $61,000 per year. First-year agents typically earn around $39,650, while top producers can earn $109,800 or more. Income varies significantly based on experience, location, market conditions, and the number of transactions closed.

What is a first year real estate agent's income in Virginia?

New real estate agents in Virginia can expect to earn approximately $39,650 in their first year. This is lower than the state average because new agents are building their client base and learning the market. Most agents see significant income growth in years 2-3 as they build referral networks and close more deals.

How does Virginia real estate agent salary compare to the national average?

Virginia real estate agents earn $6,000 more than the national average of $55,000 — that's 11% above the national benchmark.

How many homes does a Virginia agent need to sell per year?

Based on an estimated average commission of $11,438 per transaction, a Virginia agent needs to close approximately 6 deals per year to match the state average salary of $61,000. Top producers close 20+ deals annually.

Is it worth becoming a real estate agent in Virginia?

Real estate can be a lucrative career in Virginia, but success depends on your dedication, market knowledge, and networking skills. With a 55% exam pass rate, preparation is key. The investment in a quality exam prep course typically pays for itself within the first transaction.

Ready to Start Your Virginia Real Estate Career?

The first step is passing your Virginia real estate exam. EstatePass has 1,800+ Virginia-specific practice questions to help you pass on your first try.