Real Estate Agent in District of Columbia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for DC. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$43,720

trending_down -22.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, District of Columbia.

engineering

450

Jobs (DC)

monitoring Stable

+3.1%

10-yr job growth

payments

$356

Licensing fees

schedule

2-4 months

Time to complete

route How to become a real estate agent in District of Columbia

To become a licensed Real Estate Agent in the District of Columbia, individuals must meet several requirements set by the District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. This includes completing a 60-hour pre-licensing course, passing the PSI licensing exam, and undergoing a criminal background check. The application process typically takes 2-4 months, and licenses must be renewed every two years with 15 hours of continuing education. Reciprocity is available for agents licensed in other states, though specific coursework and the DC state portion of the exam are still required.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $36,310

25th percentile $39,810

50th (median) $43,720

75th percentile $96,410

90th (experienced) $130,240

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for District of Columbia. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist District of Columbia requirements

Licensing body	District of Columbia Real Estate Commission
State license	Required
Education	60-hour pre-licensing course
Exam	District of Columbia Real Estate Salesperson Exam (PSI) ($62)
Application fee	$295
Renewal	Every 2.0 years
Continuing education	15.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. A criminal background check and fingerprinting are required. Applicants must not have had a real estate application denied within the last year (other than for failing the exam) or a real estate license suspended or revoked in D.C. or elsewhere. Must submit the application within six months of passing the exam.

Source: District of Columbia Real Estate Commission

workspace_premium District of Columbia license tiers

District of Columbia offers multiple tiers of real estate agent licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Salesperson	N/A
Broker	N/A

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+3.1%

Average

Annual openings

36,600

Nationwide per year

Total employment

420,900

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

error High exposure 0.86/1.00

Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleDistrict of Columbia license required — clearer credential signal to employers
warningElevated AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a real estate agent career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a real estate agent in District of Columbia? expand_more

To become a real estate agent in District of Columbia, you need to complete the required education (60-hour pre-licensing course), pass the District of Columbia Real Estate Salesperson Exam (PSI), and submit your application ($295 fee).

Is a real estate agent license required in District of Columbia? expand_more

Yes, District of Columbia requires a state license to practice as a real estate agent. The licensing body is District of Columbia Real Estate Commission. You must pass the District of Columbia Real Estate Salesperson Exam (PSI).

How much do real estate agents make in District of Columbia? expand_more

District of Columbia real estate agents bring home a median salary of $43,720. This trails the $56,320 national median by 22%. Wages range from $36,310 (10th percentile) up to $130,240 (90th percentile).

What are the fees to become a real estate agent in District of Columbia? expand_more

Between exam fee ($62) and application fee ($295), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How long does it take to become a real estate agent in District of Columbia? expand_more

Most candidates in District of Columbia complete the process in 2-4 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.

What are the continuing education requirements for real estate agents in District of Columbia? expand_more

To keep your license active, District of Columbia mandates 15.0 CE hours every 2.0 years.

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