Average Ohio Real Estate Agent Salary

In Ohio, part-time real estate agents make $46,250 and full-time agents make an average of $165,250 according to the 2025 Ohio Real Estate Salary Guide.

While we use the word “salary,” it’s important that you understand that most real estate agents work solely on commission. The commission is typically based on a percentage of the property’s sale price.

This commission system has been in place for listing agents since the 1950s and, despite recent headlines, continues to be the way real estate agents in Ohio and the rest of the country are paid. For those getting started on the Ohio real estate pre-licensing process, you must also understand that you’ll share a percentage of your commission with your brokerage company in exchange for supervision, training, and marketing materials.

Now that you understand the average salary for a real estate agent in Ohio – especially what your first year might look like – let’s discuss the average commission rate we see in the Ohio real estate industry.

How Much Commission Does a REALTOR® Make in Ohio?

The average real estate commission rate in Ohio is 5.81%, according to a survey conducted by FastExpert. (For comparison purposes, the national average real estate commission rate is 5.57%.).

According to Zillow, the average home value in Ohio is currently $233,949. This means that real estate professionals may earn $13,592 for services related to the average real estate transaction.

$233,949 x 5.81% = $13,592

If you are contemplating becoming a real estate agent, it’s worth noting that experts have predicted that Cincinnati, Columbus, Cleveland, and Toledo will continue to have hot housing markets. This means the average property’s price will increase this year – and so will the real estate agent’s commissions!

What Is the Average Real Estate Broker Salary in Ohio?

The average salary of a broker in Ohio is $265,000, according to GlassDoor. 

It’s worth noting that even though “real estate agent,” “REALTOR®,” and “broker” are often used interchangeably, there’s a distinct difference among the titles. Real estate agent is the general term for licensed real estate salespeople. The term REALTOR® is reserved for members of the National Association of REALTORS®. Finally, a real estate broker in Ohio is an agent with at least two years of experience who has completed additional licensing coursework and passed a broker exam. 

Real estate broker salary vs agent

A real estate broker typically makes more than an agent. Here are some of the reasons why:

Real estate brokers often have more experience. A real estate professional’s salary typically grows with experience. More experienced agents have more extensive networks, enjoy more referrals, and can use positive reviews to leverage higher commission rates.

Real estate brokers have additional training. Ohio Brokers must take additional classes in Business Economics, Business Law, Financial Management, and Human Resource Management. Thus, they may be more prepared to oversee complicated (and more lucrative) sales than most agents.

Real estate brokers can open their own brokerages. Some agents become brokers because they wish to work independently and retain all their commissions instead of splitting their income with the brokerage. Others open brokerages and bring in agents to oversee, which increases their income stream.

Brokers can often negotiate a better commission split than agents. Since brokers don’t need oversight and mentoring, they can often negotiate a better commission split than agents, increasing their income.

FAQs – Average Real Estate Agent Salary in Ohio

You may have many questions if you are new to a commission-based income. After all, working on commission means you are responsible for paying for your own taxes and insurance – and putting money aside for retirement. Here are some answers to other FAQs about how much real estate agents make.

Who pays the real estate commission in Ohio?

In Ohio, the seller typically pays the real estate commission. The real estate agents’ fees are normally deducted from the seller’s proceeds when the transaction is finalized at closing. While a recent lawsuit settlement changed some rules about how commissions are advertised for buyer’s agents, there’s no indication that compensation rates will change.

How much do part-time real estate agents make in Ohio?

Part-time real estate agents in Ohio make $81,563 according to ZipRecruiter. This is an excellent side hustle for those wishing to increase their income by doing something they enjoy. Plus, becoming licensed is relatively inexpensive compared with other job training programs or college degrees.

Related Article: How Much Does it Cost to Get a Real Estate License in Ohio?

Average Real Estate Agent Salary by Hours Worked

For many real estate agents, income is closely tied to the number of hours they put into their business. That’s why full-time agents earn substantially more than their part-time counterparts. However, if you’re unsure about committing to a full-time real estate career, you can start as a part-time agent to supplement your income while maintaining your current job.

Do real estate agents get paid hourly?

No, most real estate agents work on commission based on a percentage of a property’s sale price. However, some online real estate companies may pay agents an hourly wage to show homes to buyer clients.

What are the highest-paying real estate jobs in Ohio?

Real estate agents and brokers can earn the highest incomes in Ohio real estate ($165,250 and $265,000, respectively). However, people in other real estate-related fields also earn good salaries.

• Real Estate Advisor: $96,447
• Real Estate Appraiser: $79,024
• Commercial Property Manager: $66,707
• Real Estate Transaction Coordinator: $60,937
• Real Estate Paralegal: $55,024
• Residential Property Manager: $53,664

Source: Average Base Salaries in Ohio, Indeed August 2024

How is the commission divided between agents?

As a seller’s agent, you will sign a contract with your client that says you will provide services for a specific commission percentage. The seller may also agree to offer a commission to a buyer’s agent. (Or, in some cases, the buyer will pay their agent directly.)

Here’s an example of how a 5.81% commission may be divided in Ohio.

Ohio Real Estate Agent Salary – Based on 5.81% Commission

Source for Average Home Value: Zillow. August 2024

These numbers give you some understanding of how much income you may expect to make working as a real estate agent in Ohio.

Average Ohio Real Estate Commission Rate by Market

Below is the average home value in Ohio’s ten most populated cities. Based on a 5.81% commission rate, here’s how much real estate professionals may earn by selling an average property.

Source for Average Home Value: Zillow. January 2024

Again, this commission is typically split four ways – among the buyer’s and seller’s agents and brokerages.

Average Ohio Real Estate Commission for Commercial Properties

When you become a real estate agent, you may focus on a niche, such as commercial real estate.

Commercial real estate commissions vary. You might see the same 6% commission rate that you typically find in the residential real estate world. However, some commercial commissions are graduated (5% up to $1M, 4% of $1M-$5M, for example). Finally, some Ohio commercial real estate agents agree to work on a project for a flat fee. If you focus on Ohio commercial real estate, take as many continuing education courses and specialized training as possible to better serve this industry segment.

Income potential is one reason people become a real estate agent in Ohio. Ohio real estate agents also enjoy a flexible schedule and the satisfaction of helping families find their forever homes. When you’re ready to start your Ohio real estate pre-licensing courses, turn to Hondros College.

Hondros College (by Colibri Real Estate) is Ohio’s leading real estate school. Hondros College offers in-person, livestream, and take-at-your-own-pace online classes. You can also depend on Hondros College for exam prep and continuing education courses.

Learn more about the Ohio real estate pre-licensing process. Then, when you are ready, enroll in the 100-hour pre-licensing course for Ohio.