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Real Estate Agent Licensing in New York

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate agent in New York, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State-approved exam

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Real Estate Agent in New York

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Varies by state board.

  2. 2

    License Type: Register with licensing agency.

Exam and processing details

  • State-approved exam

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $97,440 median (73% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #1 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet New York eligibility requirements for Real Estate Agent licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training (Education: Varies by state board.).
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State-approved exam.
  4. 4. Submit the application to NYS Department of State~Division of Licensing Services~One Commerce Plaza and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in New York

With a median salary of $97,440, Real Estate Agents in New York earn 73% above the national median of $56,320. New York ranks #1 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+1.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,739

Median annual salary

$97,440

Hourly estimate

$46.85
73% above national median

Difference: +$41,120

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$35,810
  • P2525th percentile$52,000
  • P50Median$97,440
  • P7575th percentile$129,050
  • P9090th percentile$168,590

State vs National Median

State: $97,440
National: $56,320

Total employment: 10,040 | Annual openings: N/A

Real Estate Agent Salary Ranking

#1 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Agent median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$97,440
#2Alaska$85,800
#3Massachusetts$85,170
#4Vermont$82,630
#5New Mexico$79,790

Nearby States Comparison

Real Estate Agent licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
New York$97,440Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Vermont$82,630Specific course requiredBoth state and third-party exams requiredVaries by board
Massachusetts$85,170Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Connecticut$45,670Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$66,680Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Pennsylvania$53,590Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
New York78HighBoard-specific review required.
Vermont68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Massachusetts68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Connecticut68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

NYS Department of State • Division of Licensing Services • One Commerce Plaza

99 Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 22001, Albany, NY, 12201

Phone: 5184744429

Related Careers in New York

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$98,580Varies by state boardVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$63,640Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$101,780Varies by state boardVaries by board
Civil Engineer$102,440Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Real Estate Agent in New York?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What is the typical Real Estate Agent salary in New York?

The median annual salary for Real Estate Agents in New York is $97,440. Salaries range from $35,810 (10th percentile) to $168,590 (90th percentile).

How does the Real Estate Agent salary in New York compare to the national average?

Real Estate Agents in New York earn 73% above the national median of $56,320, with a state median of $97,440.

How many Real Estate Agents work in New York?

New York employs approximately 10,040 Real Estate Agents according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent license to New York from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Real Estate Agents in New York?

The licensing agency is NYS Department of State / Division of Licensing Services / One Commerce Plaza. Review agency details at https://www.dos.ny.gov/.

How often do you renew a Real Estate Agent license in New York?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.