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Real Estate Agent Salary in San Francisco, CA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for San Francisco's cost of living (index: 214). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Real Estate Agent Salary in San Francisco β€” Key Numbers

$116,202
Median Salary
$68,651
25th Percentile
$199,790
75th Percentile
$340,731
90th Percentile
National median (Real Estate Agent)$54,300
vs. National median+114.0%
San Francisco median household income$131,000
vs. City household income-11.3%

Cost of Living in San Francisco

Cost of Living Index
214(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$3,498/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio36.1%
Annual rent cost$41,976
Median Home Price$1,350,000
Home Price / Salary11.6Γ—
20% Down Payment$270,000
Years to save (20% rate)11.6 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in San Francisco

3.8%
Unemployment Rate
4,740,000
Metro Population
34 min
Avg Commute
38.3
Median Age

San Francisco has a metro population of 4,740,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.8% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in San Francisco, CA?

The estimated median salary for a Real Estate Agent in San Francisco is $116,202 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $54,300 adjusted by San Francisco's cost of living index (214). The typical salary range runs from $68,651 (25th percentile) to $199,790 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $340,731.

Is San Francisco affordable for a Real Estate Agent?

On a $116,202 annual salary, a Real Estate Agent in San Francisco would spend approximately 36.1% of gross monthly income on median rent ($3,498/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Real Estate Agents in San Francisco may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $1,350,000 is 11.6Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Real Estate Agent's salary compare to San Francisco's overall income?

San Francisco's median household income is $131,000. A Real Estate Agent earning the city-adjusted median of $116,202 earns 11.3% less than the typical San Francisco household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that San Francisco has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.