Real Estate Agent
Help people buy and sell property by marketing homes, conducting inspections and negotiating with buyers and sellers.
What They Do
Real Estate Agents help property owners sell residential or commercial property and assist buyers searching for suitable properties.
Their work can include appraising properties, preparing marketing campaigns, conducting open inspections, contacting prospective buyers, negotiating offers, advising sellers and coordinating the process through to settlement.
JSA also includes duties such as listing properties, arranging advertising, assessing buyer needs, providing advice on sales methods and negotiating terms of sale.
Who This Career Suits
Real estate suits people who enjoy sales, communication and building relationships.
Successful agents generally need confidence, persistence and strong organisation because a large part of the job involves following up clients, generating new business and managing several property campaigns at once.
The work can also involve evenings and weekends, particularly around inspections and auctions.
Key Skills
Communication, Sales, Negotiation, Relationship Management, Organisation, Marketing, Commercial Awareness, Problem Solving
Work Environment
Office, Client Sites, Residential Property, Outdoor, Customer-Facing
Education & Training
Real estate licensing and registration requirements vary between Australian states and territories.
The national CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice is a current vocational qualification covering residential and commercial real estate work, including sales, property management and buyer representation. However, the exact units and regulatory requirements needed to work legally depend on the jurisdiction. Training.gov.au
For example, Victoria requires people working as agents' representatives to meet prescribed education and eligibility requirements. From 25 November 2026, new agents' representatives in Victoria will also need direct registration with the Business Licensing Authority, with ongoing CPD requirements beginning from April 2027. Consumer Affairs Victoria
Career Changer Pathway
Real estate can be quite accessible to career changers.
People often enter from sales, retail, hospitality, customer service, banking, property, marketing or account management because these backgrounds can provide strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Career changers generally need to complete the relevant state or territory training requirements before working in licensed real estate activities.
Early Career
New agents often begin as Sales Associates, Agents' Representatives or Real Estate Representatives.
They may support senior agents, conduct buyer follow-up, prospect for new clients, assist at inspections and gradually build their own network.
Mid Career
Experienced agents manage their own property listings and client portfolios.
They take responsibility for prospecting, appraisals, marketing campaigns, open homes, negotiations and vendor communication.
Performance and earnings can vary significantly depending on location, market conditions and sales volume.
Senior / Veteran Career
Senior agents can become Lead Agents, Sales Managers, Auctioneers or Agency Principals.
Some establish their own agencies or move into buyers' advocacy, commercial property, property development or broader real-estate management.
The Diploma of Property (Agency Management) is a current qualification aimed at senior roles such as Agency Principal and Agency Manager.
Salary Guide
Early Career
60000
Mid Career
95000
Senior / Veteran
150000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / Indeed Australia
Salary data source URL:
Date :
5 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
JSA currently records about 103,900 Real Estate Sales Agents, annual employment growth of around 900, a median workforce age of 43 and a workforce that is approximately 52% female. Jobs and Skills Australia
The occupation is also the largest employing occupation in Australia's Rental, Hiring and Real Estate Services industry. Jobs and Skills Australia
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Moderate
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