Wondering about the real estate agent salary Rhode Island agents can expect? Most real estate agents in Rhode Island earn commission income, not a traditional salary. According to the National Association of Realtors’ 2026 Member Profile (reflecting 2025 activity), the median gross income from real estate activities for REALTORS® nationwide was $59,200. Agents with two years or less of experience had a median of $8,000, while those with 16 or more years reported a median of $88,500.
These are national medians. Actual results in Rhode Island vary widely with sales volume, average sale prices, brokerage split, experience, hours worked, and individual performance. Job-board figures (such as those from Indeed or ZipRecruiter) often show higher averages because they can include advertised ranges, different roles, or self-reported totals that do not always represent pure independent-contractor commission income. Salary based on Indeed, which includes part-time agents, is one example of the figures sometimes cited.
So why do people become real estate agents? For many, the flexibility and independence come with the job. You can set your hours, work from home, and be your own boss. Plus, there’s no limit to how much you can earn. The harder you work and the more properties you sell, the more money you’ll make, especially if you are at the right brokerage.
It’s More Than A Salary For Most Realtors
Of course, being a successful real estate agent takes hard work, dedication, and extensive knowledge of the industry. But if you’re up for the challenge, it can be a very rewarding career in real estate. A real estate career can be rewarding due to its flexibility and the opportunity to help people find their ideal homes. Additionally, the satisfaction of guiding clients through the home-buying or selling process can be emotionally fulfilling.
Overall, a real estate career offers financial potential, flexibility, and the gratification of assisting others in significant life decisions of buying or selling a home.
What is the Starting Income of a Real Estate Agent?
The starting income for a real estate agent is typically below the overall average because it takes time to build a following and clientele. According to ZipRecruiter, figures around $85,793 per year sometimes appear for starting or average pay, but these numbers do not always reflect pure commission income for new independent contractors and may include data from different sources or roles. In practice, NAR data shows much lower medians for agents with two years or less of experience.
How Do Real Estate Agents Get Paid?
Most real estate agents are paid on commission when a property is sold. It depends on the split with their broker/owner and the agency fees. Commission is negotiable and is set by written agreement between the client and the brokerage, not by a fixed industry rate. Surveys have shown average total rates in Rhode Island around 5%, though actual amounts vary by agreement and market.
If you are the listing agent, you may have to share the commission with the buyer’s agent, depending on the agreements in place. An agent’s share also depends on their specific brokerage arrangement.
What Other Benefits Are There Of Becoming a REMAX Agent?
Brand Recognition
Another benefit of joining REMAX is brand recognition. People know the REMAX balloon and the brand’s long-standing presence. Industry productivity data (RealTrends Verified) have shown that REMAX agents at large brokerages close more transaction sides on average than agents at competing firms, though individual results vary, and this is not a guarantee of faster sales or higher income for every agent or office.
Technology
REMAX provides tools that make it easier for agents to design and manage their sites. These REMAX websites also come with a branded app that agents can share with potential clients on mobile devices, along with other technology and marketing resources. Other technology includes promotional material and systems designed to support agent productivity.
Training and Mentoring
Not only do REMAX real estate agents earn higher salaries, but they are also trained more than agents at other real estate offices. Here at our 5 REMAX offices in Rhode Island, we offer a mentorship program for all new agents.
They team up with an experienced agent who guides them through their first year as realtors at REMAX in northern Rhode Island.
How to Maximize Your Real Estate Agent Salary in Rhode Island
- Invest in your own training with time and a little money. Many of these are business tax deductions, too, so keep track of them. (However, to be deductible, the expenses must meet the official IRS definition; be directly associated with your real estate duties; be paid by you, not your broker; and be documented with receipts.)
- Use your website and blog to generate leads and get your name/brand out there.
- Market yourself with social media, email campaigns, etc.
- Focus on becoming a listing agent.
- Sharpen your negotiation skills.
- Find your niche: luxury homes, 2nd homes, multi-family units, etc.
- Stick with it.
- Nurture your leads and past clients.
What About Part-Time Realtors?
Do part-time realtors make as much money? Usually, they do not make as much money because they work fewer hours. However, they can build up a following enough to quit their other job and work full-time in the real estate business. It’s a great way to buffer your expenses in that first year in business.
But do note that working part-time will take longer to increase your income as a real estate agent.
How Much Income Do You Want to Make as a Real Estate Agent?
Do you know how much income you want to make as a real estate agent? Start with a goal in mind to help yourself find the right path to achieving it.
Let us at REMAX Preferred, Town & Country, and Properties help you on the path. Contact Richard Zompa today for details on training, mentoring, commission plans, and support available at our Rhode Island offices.
Figures are drawn from publicly available sources including the NAR 2026 Member Profile, Rhode Island Association of Realtors market reports, and industry surveys. Income data changes over time—verify current numbers and local brokerage terms before making decisions. This article is for general information and does not constitute financial or career advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most agents earn commission, not a salary. Nationally, the NAR 2026 Member Profile reported a median gross income of $59,200 from real estate activities in 2025. Results in Rhode Island vary widely based on sales volume, home prices, brokerage split, and experience.
New agents usually earn significantly less while building a client base. NAR data shows a median of about $8,000 for REALTORS® with two years or less of experience. Many have periods with little or no income at the start.
The large majority work as independent contractors and are paid by commission when a deal closes. Pure salary is uncommon for traditional sales agents.
Commission is negotiable and set by written agreement. The total is typically split between the listing and buyer sides, then each agent’s share depends on their brokerage agreement (the split or fee structure). Expenses and taxes further reduce take-home income.
The REMAX Preferred, Town & Country, and Properties offices offer a mentorship program that pairs new agents with experienced mentors, provides access to REMAX University, offers local training, and provides technology/administrative support. These resources help agents build skills but do not guarantee specific income.
Contact Richard Zompa Today!
Contact broker-owner Richard Zompa, with over 40 years in the real estate business and 5 offices in Rhode Island. He will help you get started making more money selling real estate than you could have imagined. (As long as you are willing to work hard and stick with it.)
*Salary based on Indeed, which includes part-time agents.
Content may have been created with AI help and was reviewed and edited by our office.
