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Real Estate Broker Licensing in Washington

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Real Estate Broker in Washington

Estimated timeline: 1-18 years

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    Experience: No experience required.

  3. 3

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  4. 4

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

  5. 5

    Individuals must be at least 18 years old, must have a high school diploma or equivalent, have successfully completed 90 hours of approved real estate education, and passed the broker's examination.

Exam and processing details

  • passed the broker's examination

Continuing education and program notes

  • No continuing education requirement to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Department of Licensing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $81,450 median (13% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #10 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (7)

  1. 1. Meet Washington eligibility requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
  4. 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required passed the broker's examination.
  5. 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  6. 6. Submit the application to Department of Licensing and monitor board communications.
  7. 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Washington

With a median salary of $81,450, Real Estate Brokers in Washington earn 13% above the national median of $72,280. Washington ranks #10 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 1-18 years.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,837

Median annual salary

$81,450

Hourly estimate

$39.16
13% above national median

Difference: +$9,170

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$43,340
  • P2525th percentile$66,460
  • P50Median$81,450
  • P7575th percentile$100,300
  • P9090th percentile$166,820

State vs National Median

State: $81,450
National: $72,280

Total employment: 110 | Annual openings: N/A

Real Estate Broker Salary Ranking

#10 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Broker median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Iowa$116,920
#2Massachusetts$112,180
#3New York$94,170
#4New Jersey$92,890
#5Connecticut$90,910

Nearby States Comparison

Real Estate Broker licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Washington$81,450No educational requirementsState exam required1-18 years
Idaho$72,280No educational requirementsState exam required1-18 years
Oregon$70,860Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries 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
Washington54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Idaho54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oregon78HighBoard-specific review required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Department of Licensing

2000 4th Ave W, Olympia, WA, 98502

Phone: 3606646488

Related Careers in Washington

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$97,800Degree requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$73,160Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$96,180Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$105,090No educational requirements8 years

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Real Estate Broker in Washington?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 1-18 years, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Real Estate Brokers in Washington?

Washington lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Brokers.

What education do you need to become a Real Estate Broker in Washington?

The board typically expects No educational requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure in Washington.

What is the typical Real Estate Broker salary in Washington?

The median annual salary for Real Estate Brokers in Washington is $81,450. Salaries range from $43,340 (10th percentile) to $166,820 (90th percentile).

How does the Real Estate Broker salary in Washington compare to the national average?

Real Estate Brokers in Washington earn 13% above the national median of $72,280, with a state median of $81,450.

How many Real Estate Brokers work in Washington?

Washington employs approximately 110 Real Estate Brokers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Real Estate Broker license to Washington from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Real Estate Brokers in Washington?

The licensing agency is Department of Licensing. Review agency details at https://dol.wa.gov/about/contact-us/business-and-professional-licensing-contact-information.

How often do you renew a Real Estate Broker license in Washington?

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