Entering the real estate market in Ontario is exciting, but new agents need honest expectations about earnings. So, what can you realistically expect as a first-year agent in Ontario in 2025?
Salary Range for New Ontario Agents
Most first-year real estate agents earn between $30,000 and $50,000. As your experience grows, so does potential income: mid-level agents (2–5 years in) typically earn $60,000–$100,000, and top performers can make $120,000 or more in subsequent years.
“As of July 2025, the average annual pay for a real estate agent in Ontario is $93,907, while top earners make $150,000–$200,000 or more.”
— ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor, Indeed
Factors Affecting Your Income
- Commission-based Model: No guaranteed salary; income depends on sales volume.
- Market Conditions: Periods of low inventory or economic downturn can reduce commissions earned.
- Lead Generation: Most new agents start from scratch and spend heavily on leads and marketing.
- Brokerage Fees and Splits: Standard commission splits (e.g., 70/30, 80/20) mean you may only retain part of your earned commission after brokerage and association deductions.
Learn more in our How Real Estate Commission Splits Work in Ontario (with Examples) article.
Salary Vs. Expenses
Net profit may be much lower in year one after desk fees, association dues, marketing, and business expenses. Budget carefully to survive the lean startup phase—some agents report actual take-home pay as low as $20,000–$35,000.
For a cost breakdown, see The True Cost of Becoming a Realtor in Ontario: A Complete Budget Breakdown.
