Real Estate Agent in Virginia

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for VA

Median Salary
$61,790
Virginia (2024)
National Median
$56,320
All states
License Fees
$230
Exam + application
Time to Complete
1.5 weeks - 4 months
From start to licensed

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Virginia

To become a Real Estate Agent in Virginia, you must obtain a license from the Virginia Real Estate Board. Key steps include completing a 60-hour 'Principles of Real Estate' pre-licensing course, passing the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam administered by PSI, and submitting a license application with a sponsoring broker. New salespersons are also required to complete a 30-hour post-license course within their first year. Virginia offers full reciprocity for out-of-state licensees who meet specific requirements, including passing the Virginia state portion of the exam and providing proof of equivalent education.

Real Estate Agent Requirements in Virginia

DetailVirginia
Licensing BodyVirginia Real Estate Board
State License Required Yes
Education60-hour 'Principles of Real Estate' course
Exam Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam (PSI) ($60)
Application Fee$170
RenewalEvery 2.0 years
Continuing Education16.0 hours per cycle
NotesApplicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent. A 30-hour post-license course is required within the first year of licensure. A background check and fingerprinting are also required. Applicants must have a good reputation for honesty, truthfulness, and fair dealing, and not have been found guilty of violating fair housing laws or certain criminal convictions.

Source: Virginia Real Estate Board

License Tiers

Virginia offers multiple tiers of real estate agent licensing:

Tier Hours Required
Salesperson N/A
Broker N/A

Real Estate Agent Salary in Virginia

The median real estate agent salary in Virginia is $61,790 per year, which is 9.7% above the national median of $56,320.

PercentileAnnual Salary
10th (entry level)$34,860
25th$40,200
50th (median)$61,790
75th$81,230
90th (experienced)$106,480

Virginia employs approximately 4,950 real estate agents.

Real Estate Agent Job Outlook

10-Year Growth
+3.1%
Average
Annual Openings
36.6
Nationwide per year
Total Employment
420.9
Nationwide

AI Impact on Real Estate Agents

High AI Exposure (Score: 0.86/1.00)

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

Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Virginia Worth It?

Factors to consider: Virginia's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the steps to becoming a real estate agent in Virginia?
The path to real estate agent licensure in Virginia: complete the required education (60-hour 'Principles of Real Estate' course), pass the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam (PSI), and submit your application ($170 fee).
Does Virginia require real estate agent licensure?
Yes, Virginia requires a state license to practice as a real estate agent. The licensing body is Virginia Real Estate Board. You must pass the Virginia Real Estate Salesperson Exam (PSI).
What do real estate agents earn in Virginia?
In Virginia, the median pay for real estate agents comes to $61,790/year. This exceeds the $56,320 national median by 10%. Wages range from $34,860 (10th percentile) up to $106,480 (90th percentile).
How expensive is real estate agent licensing in Virginia?
Plan on spending varies total — that covers exam fee ($60) and application fee ($170) plus your education and training.
What's the timeline to become a real estate agent in Virginia?
Most candidates in Virginia complete the process in 1.5 weeks - 4 months, from enrollment in a training program through licensure.
How many CE hours do real estate agents need in Virginia?
Virginia requires 16.0 hours of continuing education every 2.0 years to maintain your real estate agent license.

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