How to become a real estate agent or salesperson
Official title: Real estate agents and salespersons
Also called: Real estate agent, New home salesperson, Real estate salesperson, Commercial real estate agent, Real estate agent supervisor, Real estate sales consultant, Real estate sales supervisor, Residential real estate agent, Associate broker - real estate, Real estate sales representative, Real estate agency representative, Commercial real estate salesperson
Real estate agents and salespersons act as agents for the sale or purchase of houses, apartments, commercial buildings, land and other real estate. They are employed in the real estate industry.
Main tasks
- Solicit property sales listings from prospective vendors
- Assist vendors in selling property by establishing asking price, advertising the property, listing the property with listing services and conducting open houses for prospective buyers
- Assist prospective buyers in selecting, visiting, inspecting and making offers of purchase on real estate properties
- Advise clients on market conditions, prices, mortgages, legal requirements and related matters
- Draw up sales agreements for approval of purchaser and seller
- May rent or lease properties on behalf of clients
- Real estate agents and salespersons may specialize in residential, commercial, industrial/institutional or rural real estate sales
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a real estate training course is required. Provincial or territorial licensure in the province or territory of employment is required.
Ways in
- College or CEGEP: College or CEGEP program. 37% of workers hold a college or other non-degree diploma (Census 2021). Common fields: Real estate; Business/commerce, general; Business administration, management and operations.
- Licence or registration: Provincial or territorial licensure in the province or territory of employment is required.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $58,400 a year The middle half earn $27,400 to $106,000.
- About 106,800 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 117,900 are projected by 2033. (+10.4%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a real estate agent or salesperson?
Completion of secondary school is required. Completion of a real estate training course is required. Provincial or territorial licensure in the province or territory of employment is required.
How much does a real estate agent or salesperson earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $58,400 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $27,400 to $106,000.
Is a real estate agent or salesperson a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 10% by 2033, from about 106,800 to about 117,900 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a real estate agent or salesperson?
Not always. 38% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: College or CEGEP program.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03