Current Georgia Real Estate Income, Sales, and Trends

Many factors like experience level, real estate market conditions, and geographic location impact how much real estate agents earn in Georgia each year. However, leading job recruitment sites report that the average annual salary typically falls within:

• $40,000 to $60,000

It’s possible for high performing real estate agents to earn upwards of six figures annually at the top brokerages in metro areas like Atlanta. However, this level of income potential takes time to build up.

Much of your pay will come from commissions and bonus structures so higher sales volume means higher earnings potential over time. This makes prospecting, lead generation, and networking extremely important.

Here are the May 2022 average annual wages reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for real estate agents in some of Georgia’s major metro areas:¹

• Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell: $62,620
• Augusta-Richmond County: $55,100
• Savannah: $64,460
• Columbus: $62,040
• Macon: $59,100

Income for new agents often starts lower as they gain clients and valuable experience in the first 1 to 3 years on the job. However, with dedication to continuous improvement, earning a six-figure income is possible within 5 to 10 years for top agents.

Restoring Your Real Estate License and Inter-State Equivalency in Georgia

Once approved, Georgia real estate licenses remain active for four years initially. For renewals, agents must complete at least 36 hours of approved continuing education through an approved school including 3 hours on the topic of license law from a license law course approved by the Georgia Real Estate Commission.²

Agents must also pay a $125 fee to the GREC. Agents can renew their licenses online through the online services page or through mail-in renewal by completing the appropriate forms.^3,4 Online renewals are discounted by $25.

Licenses lapsed less than 1 year can be renewed online upon completing all past due continuing education. Licenses lapsed more than 1 year must submit a reinstatement application.

Less Than 1 Year Expired

• Reinstate online up to 30 days past expiration with a $25 late fee and a Lawful Presence Verification form
• After 30 days, submit a change application after renewal with a $75 late fee and a Lawful Presence Verification form⁵

Over 1 Year Expired

• Submit a reinstatement application with a $75 late fee by mail⁶
• Cannot renew online if license expired over one year
• Must show proof of completed continuing education credits

Submitting a late renewal is better than letting your license fully lapse. Licenses that remain expired for over 24 months must retake pre-licensing courses and reapply as a new licensee.

Reciprocity

Georgia offers real estate license reciprocity to active agents from all other U.S. states. To qualify for reciprocity:

• Your out-of-state license must be in active status and good standing
• You must have passed that state’s licensing exam
• Cannot have any outstanding disciplinary issues

If you meet the requirements, submit a completed Real Estate Reciprocal Application to the Georgia Real Estate Commission.⁷

There are exceptions for Florida residents who must pass a supplemental exam which consists of the Georgia state exam portion.

Overall, obtaining and maintaining a real estate license in Georgia involves meeting eligibility criteria, completing pre-licensure training, passing the exam, staying current on renewals, and submitting proper paperwork.

With hard work and dedication, a financially and professionally rewarding real estate career is certainly possible. With any questions along the way, reach out to the Georgia Realty Commission.