Thinking about a career in real estate in South Carolina? It’s a field filled with potential, but it’s important to understand that real estate agents don’t earn a traditional salary. Instead, income is based on commissions, meaning your earnings depend on the deals you close.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from average earnings and how experience and location affect income to the costs of getting started. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of what it takes to succeed as a real estate agent in the Palmetto State.
Key Takeaways
- Average Salary Varies: A South Carolina real estate agent’s earnings can fall anywhere between $45,000 and $65,000 annually, with many factors influencing the final number.
- Location Is Crucial: Major cities like Charleston offer higher earning potential due to higher property values, while growing areas like Myrtle Beach also present strong opportunities.
- Experience Boosts Income: New agents typically start with lower earnings, but income potential grows significantly with experience, networking, and specialization.
- Commissions Drive Earnings: Agents are primarily paid through commissions, so understanding brokerage splits is essential for managing your finances.
- Initial Investment Is Required: Becoming a licensed agent involves upfront costs for education, exams, and licensing fees, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
Understanding Average Salaries
A real estate agent’s income is unique because it’s almost entirely commission-based. This means there isn’t a fixed annual salary, and earnings can fluctuate significantly from one year to the next. Your income is a direct result of the number of properties you sell and their prices.
Average real estate agent salary
So, how much can you expect to make? Because the job is commission-based, different data sources report different figures. Crowdsourced sites that collect user-submitted data often show higher averages, while HR-survey aggregators tend to report more conservative numbers.
Based on an analysis of multiple data sources from late 2025, the typical annual earnings for a real estate agent in South Carolina fall between $45,000 and $65,000. It’s important to note that this is a general range. New agents might earn less as they build their client base, while top-performing agents can earn well over $150,000.
- Salary.com reports a median salary of $44,957.
- ERI SalaryExpert places the average base salary at $64,590.
- Talent.com finds a median salary of $60,750 based on over 10,000 salary profiles.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a median wage of $48,560 for South Carolina agents in its most recent data from May 2023.
Factors affecting salary
Several factors influence how much a real estate agent in South Carolina can earn. These include:
- Location: Real estate markets vary by city. Agents in high-demand areas with higher property values, like Charleston, often have higher earning potential.
- Experience: Seasoned agents with a strong network and a proven track record tend to close more deals and earn more than those just starting.
- Market Conditions: A booming real estate market can drive higher sales volume and income, while a slower market can pose earnings challenges.
- Niche: Specializing in a specific area, like luxury homes, commercial properties, or vacation rentals, can help you become an expert and command higher earnings.
Earnings by Experience Level
Your income as a real estate agent will grow as you gain experience and build your reputation. Here’s a look at what you can expect at different stages of your career.
Entry-level salaries
When you’re just starting, your primary focus will be on learning the market and building your client list. During this initial phase, it’s common to invest significant time in networking and marketing before seeing a steady stream of commissions.
Mid-level and senior-level salaries
After a few years in the industry, your earnings will likely increase as you close more deals and receive more referrals. With a solid client base and a deeper understanding of the market, your income potential grows. Experienced agents often move into the $60,000 to $97,000 range, with some earning even more.
Top-level earnings
Top-performing agents who have spent years honing their skills can achieve impressive incomes. These professionals often specialize in high-value properties or have an extensive network that provides a steady flow of clients. The most experienced agents in South Carolina can earn over $113,625 annually, with the top 10% exceeding $126,000, according to some data sources.
Salary by Location
Where you work in South Carolina has a major impact on your potential salary. Let’s look at some of the key markets.
Charleston
Charleston is one of South Carolina’s most lucrative real estate markets. With its historic charm, beautiful coastline, and growing popularity, property values are high. This translates to higher commission checks for agents. The competitive nature of this market means you’ll need strong skills to succeed, but the rewards can be significant.
Myrtle Beach and Spartanburg
Myrtle Beach is a popular tourist destination with a bustling market for vacation homes and investment properties. Spartanburg is another growing city with an expanding job market, attracting new residents and driving housing demand. Both cities offer great opportunities for real estate agents to build a successful career.
Comparison to North Carolina
It can be helpful to look at neighboring states for comparison. The real estate agent salary in North Carolina is often similar to South Carolina, though earnings can be higher in major metropolitan areas like Charlotte and Raleigh. However, the cost of living in many parts of South Carolina is lower, which can make your income go further.
Commission Structure and Payment Methods
Understanding how you get paid is fundamental to a career in real estate. Agents typically work on a commission-only basis, meaning your income is earned from the sales you close.
How agents are paid
When a property sells, the total commission (usually 5-6% of the sale price) is split between the buyer’s agent and the seller’s agent. Each agent then splits their portion with their brokerage. For example, if you’re a buyer’s agent and your commission split with your brokerage is 70/30, you’ll receive 70% of the commission your brokerage collects.
Differences between agents and REALTORS®
The terms “real estate agent” and “REALTOR®” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a key difference. A REALTOR® is a licensed real estate agent who is also a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR). This membership requires adherence to a strict code of ethics. While being a REALTOR® doesn’t directly guarantee a higher salary, the networking opportunities and professional resources provided by NAR can help you grow your business.
Comparison to Similar Careers
How does a real estate agent’s salary compare to other roles in the industry?
- Property managers often have a more stable, salary-based income, but their earning potential may be lower than that of a successful agent.
- Real estate brokers can earn significantly more than agents, as they can manage their own brokerage and earn a percentage of their agents’ commissions.
- Loan officers also have high earning potential, with income often tied to the volume of mortgages they close.
Working full-time versus part-time also has a major effect on income. A full-time commitment allows you to dedicate more time to clients and build momentum, generally leading to higher earnings.
Cost to Get a Real Estate License in South Carolina
Before you can start earning, you’ll need to invest in getting your license.
Initial costs
The initial costs to become a real estate agent in South Carolina typically include:
- Pre-Licensing Course Fees: These can range from a few hundred to over a thousand dollars.
- State Licensing Exam Fee: The South Carolina Real Estate Commission (SCREC) charges a $25 application fee, and PSI charges $63 for each exam attempt.
- License Issuance Fee: Once you pass the exam, the fee to issue your license is $50.
- Background Check Fees: A required fingerprinting and criminal background check costs between $40 and $52.
You should budget around $1,000 for your real estate licensing expenses.
Training and education requirements
To qualify for a South Carolina real estate license, you must complete 90 hours of pre-licensing education from an approved provider. This includes a 60-hour Unit I course and a 30-hour Unit II course covering advanced real estate principles.
Job Market and Opportunities
The South Carolina real estate market is dynamic and offers plenty of opportunities for motivated individuals. While the market can have its ups and downs, the state’s continued growth provides a solid foundation for a long-term career. Building a strong network and staying informed about market trends are key to navigating challenges and seizing opportunities.
Ready to Start Your Real Estate Career?
Becoming a real estate agent in South Carolina is an exciting journey with unlimited earning potential. Your success is directly tied to your effort, making it a truly rewarding career path for those with an entrepreneurial spirit. By focusing on your skills, building a strong network, and choosing the right niche, you can create a thriving business.
If you’re ready to take the first step, consider enrolling in pre-licensing courses with a trusted provider. Superior School of Real Estate offers comprehensive education to help you pass your exam and launch your career with confidence.
Disclaimer: The salary figures presented in this article are based on data collected from various sources in late 2025. These figures are intended to be estimates and can vary based on individual experience, market conditions, and other factors. They should not be considered a guarantee of income.
