Real Estate Agent in Akron, OH

The Salary Picture: Where Akron Stands

Akron, Ohio, offers a compelling cost-of-living advantage for real estate agents, but it's essential to understand the local salary landscape before making a move. The metro area's median salary for real estate agents is $60,152/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.92/hour. This figure sits just below the national average of $61,480/year, a common pattern in Midwestern markets where a lower cost of living often translates to slightly lower nominal wages. The key advantage here is purchasing power; every dollar earned in Akron stretches further than it would in many coastal cities.

The job market itself is relatively stable but not exploding. There are currently 377 real estate agent jobs in the Akron metro area, and the 10-year job growth projection is a modest 3%. This growth rate suggests a mature, steady market rather than a high-growth boom. For an agent, this means that while competition exists, the market is predictable, and success is built on local knowledge and consistent effort rather than riding a speculative wave.

To give you a clearer picture, let's break down earnings by experience level. It's important to note that real estate income is highly variable and often commission-based, so these figures represent typical earnings for full-time agents in the Akron market.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Income	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $50,000	Building a client base, learning local markets, often part-time or has a secondary income source.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $75,000	Established reputation, consistent referrals, deeper knowledge of specific neighborhoods.
Senior (8-15 years)	$75,000 - $110,000+	Strong network, often specializes (e.g., luxury, commercial), may manage a team.
Expert (15+ years)	$110,000 - $150,000+	Top producer, major market influencer, likely works with high-value properties or commercial real estate.

Insider Tip: The median income figure can be misleading. In a commission-based field, the top 20% of agents often earn 80% of the total income. The key to reaching the mid-career and senior levels isn't just time served; it's about developing a niche (like working with first-time homebuyers in Fairlawn or specializing in historic homes in Highland Square) and relentlessly building a referral network.

When compared to other Ohio cities, Akron presents a middle ground. Columbus, with its booming tech and corporate sectors, has a higher median salary (closer to $65,000) but also a significantly higher cost of living. Cleveland, a larger metro with a more traditional blue-collar and medical economy, has salaries comparable to Akron, but with a higher housing cost and a different market dynamic. Cincinnati rounds out the major Ohio metros, often showing slightly higher agent incomes but with a more competitive luxury market. For an agent valuing affordability and a manageable market size, Akron is a strategic choice.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about the budget. On a $60,152/year salary, your take-home pay after taxes (federal, state, and FICA) will be approximately $45,000 - $47,000 annually, or about $3,750 - $3,900 per month. This is a crucial starting point for understanding your financial reality in Akron.

Akron's cost of living is a major draw. The overall index is 92.8, meaning it's about 7.2% cheaper than the U.S. average. The most significant factor for a renter is housing. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Akron is $816/month. This is significantly below the national average, freeing up substantial income for other expenses, savings, or investment.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a single real estate agent earning the median salary, living in Akron:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Take-Home Pay	$3,800	Based on $60,152/year, after taxes.
Rent (1BR)	$816	Average for Akron metro. Can be lower in areas like Goodyear Heights.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$150	Varies by season; winter heating costs can be higher.
Groceries	$300	For a single person.
Car Payment & Insurance	$450	Essential for covering the spread-out metro area.
Gas/Transportation	$150	Commuting to showings, meetings.
Health Insurance	$300	Critical Note: As an independent contractor (1099), you'll pay the full premium.
Professional Dues & Marketing	$300	MLS fees, association dues, advertising, website.
Miscellaneous & Entertainment	$400	Eating out, hobbies, personal care.
Savings/Debt/Investment	$784	The remainder. This is your buffer and growth engine.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely, and this is Akron's superpower for real estate professionals. With a $784 monthly surplus, a disciplined agent could save $9,408 annually for a down payment. The median home price in the Akron metro is around $180,000. A 10% down payment is $18,000. At the median agent salary, saving for a down payment is feasible within 2-3 years, and the resulting mortgage payment (with taxes and insurance) would often be comparable to or less than renting a larger space. This affordability allows agents to live in the communities they serve, building authentic local expertise.

Where the Jobs Are: Akron's Major Employers

While real estate agents are typically independent, understanding the local employment landscape is critical because jobs drive housing demand. Akron's economy is diversified, anchored by healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. Here are the key employers shaping the market:

1. Akron Children's Hospital: A massive, growing medical campus. It's one of the largest pediatric hospitals in the region and a constant source of new hires, from doctors and nurses to administrative staff. These professionals are often in the market for homes in family-friendly suburbs like Fairlawn, Copley, or Bath Township.
2. Summa Health System: Another major healthcare provider with multiple campuses. The stability of the healthcare sector makes it a reliable driver of housing demand. Agents who understand the needs of medical professionals (e.g., proximity to hospitals, flexible scheduling for shift work) can carve out a niche.
3. The University of Akron: A large public university with over 20,000 students. This creates a constant, unique demand for rental properties, particularly in neighborhoods like Highland Square and near the campus. It also employs a large number of faculty and staff who are often in the market for single-family homes or condos.
4. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company: Headquartered in Akron, Goodyear remains a cornerstone of the local economy. While manufacturing has evolved, the company employs thousands in high-tech engineering, R&D, and corporate roles. These are well-paid positions that drive demand for mid-to-high-end housing in suburbs like Fairlawn and Hudson.
5. FirstEnergy (Corporate HQ): The energy company's corporate headquarters is a significant source of white-collar employment. Its workers often seek homes in established, quiet neighborhoods with easy highway access, such as those in the western suburbs.
6. Akron Public Schools & Local Governments: As a major public employer, the school district and city/county governments provide stable, long-term job opportunities. These employees are typically looking for homes within specific school districts, making an agent's knowledge of school boundaries a valuable asset.
7. Small & Medium-Sized Manufacturing: Akron's history as the "Rubber Capital" has evolved into a hub for advanced polymers and manufacturing. Companies like A. Schoneman & Co. and countless smaller firms provide steady, well-paying jobs that support the local housing market at various price points.

Hiring Trend Insight: The most consistent hiring is in healthcare and education, which are relatively recession-proof. While Goodyear's hiring can be cyclical, its corporate and R&D roles are more stable. For a real estate agent, tracking these employers' expansions or relocations (e.g., Akron Children's building a new wing) is a direct indicator of future housing demand in specific neighborhoods.

Getting Licensed in Ohio

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Ohio is a structured process managed by the Ohio Department of Commerce, Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:

1. Education Requirements:

• You must complete 120 hours of approved pre-licensing education from an accredited institution (like Hondros College or The Real Estate School).
• The curriculum covers real estate principles, practices, and Ohio-specific law.

2. Exam & Application:

• After completing your coursework, you must pass the state licensing exam, which is administered by Pearson VUE.
• You'll then submit your license application to the state, which includes a background check and fingerprinting.
• Estimated Cost: $800 - $1,200. This includes:
  • Pre-licensing course tuition: $500 - $700
  • State exam fee: $70
  • License application & background check: $150 - $200
  • Miscellaneous (books, materials): $100 - $200

3. Sponsoring Broker:

• In Ohio, you cannot practice independently as a new agent. You must be associated with a licensed real estate broker. This broker will sponsor your license and provide guidance.

4. Timeline:

• Education: 4-6 months (if taking classes part-time).
• Exam & Application: 1-2 months.
• Total Time to Get Started: 5-8 months from the day you enroll in your first class to the day you receive your license and can start working under your broker.

Insider Tip: Don't just pick a broker at random. Interview several. Look for a broker who offers strong mentorship, a fair commission split (especially for new agents), and provides marketing support. A good broker in Akron will have deep local connections and can guide you on the specific dynamics of the Summit County market.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Akron is a city of distinct neighborhoods, each with its own character and housing stock. As an agent, where you live can influence your niche and daily efficiency.

• Fairlawn (Suburban, Family-Friendly):

  • Vibe: Upscale, highly-rated schools (Revere Local, Copley-Fairlawn), major shopping (Summit Mall), and corporate offices (Goodyear, FirstEnergy). Very safe and clean.
  • Commute: Central location with easy access to I-77 and I-71. 15-20 minutes to downtown Akron.
  • Why for Agents? High demand for family homes. You'll be immersed in a market where buyers are often professionals from the major employers. Networking is easy at community events.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500/month for a 1-2BR apartment or condo.

• Highland Square (Urban, Vibrant):

  • Vibe: The "cool" neighborhood. Walkable, with a bohemian vibe, independent shops, cafes, and a historic theater. Home to many University of Akron students and young professionals.
  • Commute: 10 minutes to downtown, 5 minutes to campus. Walkable or bike-able for many errands.
  • Why for Agents? Ideal for agents who want to specialize in the rental market, first-time buyers, or historic properties. Living here gives you instant credibility.
  • Rent Estimate: $750 - $1,100/month for a 1BR in an older building.

• Goodyear Heights (Established, Middle-Class):

  • Vibe: A classic, stable Akron neighborhood built by Goodyear for its workers. Tree-lined streets, modest single-family homes, and a strong sense of community.
  • Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown, with good highway access.
  • Why for Agents? Offers affordable housing for entry-level buyers and is a great market for agents building their business. The architecture is a mix of styles, providing diverse listings.
  • Rent Estimate: $700 - $950/month for a 2BR house or apartment.

• Copley (Suburban, Affluent):

  • Vibe: A separate township adjacent to Fairlawn, with even larger lots and more modern, custom-built homes. Excellent school district (Copley-Fairlawn). More rural feel on the outskirts.
  • Commute: 15-25 minutes to downtown Akron. Requires a car for everything.
  • Why for Agents? Targets the higher end of the market. Building a reputation here can lead to higher-value transactions. It's a market where relationships and discretion are key.
  • Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,800/month for a townhome or single-family rental.

• Downtown Akron (Urban, Revitalizing):

  • Vibe: A mix of historic buildings converted to lofts, new apartment complexes, and a growing arts and dining scene. Home to the University of Akron, major employers, and cultural venues.
  • Commute: The center of everything. Walking, biking, and bus routes are feasible.
  • Why for Agents? Best for agents focusing on the luxury condo/loft market, rentals for young professionals, and investment properties. The energy is electric, but the residential market is more niche.
  • Rent Estimate: $900 - $1,600/month for a modern 1BR or studio apartment.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A real estate career in Akron isn't just about the first sale; it's about building a sustainable, growing business. Here’s how to think about the long game:

Specialty Premiums & Advancement Paths:

• Luxury Market: While not as large as in major metros, Akron has affluent suburbs (Fairlawn, Copley, Bath, Hudson) and lakefront properties on Portage Lakes. Specializing here can significantly increase your average commission. Success requires deep networking in high-net-worth circles.
• Commercial Real Estate: This is a different license track but a logical progression. Akron's industrial base (polymers, logistics) and retail corridors create demand. It requires more capital and longer sales cycles but offers higher per-transaction fees.
• Property Management: A stable, recurring income stream. With a strong rental market (driven by the university and healthcare workers), managing properties for investors can provide steady cash flow, especially in neighborhoods like Highland Square or near the hospitals.
• Team Leadership: As you grow, you might build a team. This scales your income but shifts your focus from sales to management and mentorship. Top teams in Akron often dominate specific geographic niches.

10-Year Outlook:
The 3% job growth projection is conservative but realistic. The market isn't likely to see explosive population growth, but Akron's core strengths—affordability, a stable healthcare/education economy, and its strategic location between Cleveland and Columbus—will continue to support a healthy real estate market. The biggest opportunities will be in:

1. Renovation & Flip Markets: With a large stock of older, affordable homes in neighborhoods like Goodyear Heights and North Akron, there's a strong investor market for renovation projects.
2. First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Ohio offers down payment assistance programs (e.g., Ohio Housing Finance Agency). Agents who master these programs will be invaluable to a large segment of the market.
3. Relocation from Higher-Cost Areas: As remote work solidifies, Akron's affordability will attract buyers from Cleveland, Columbus, and even out-of-state. Being able to showcase Akron's quality of life is a key skill.

The Verdict: Is Akron Right for You?

The decision to build a real estate career in Akron comes down to your personal priorities and work style. Here’s a straightforward breakdown.

Pros of Akron Real Estate	Cons of Akron Real Estate
Low Cost of Living & Housing: Your income goes much further, allowing for faster home ownership and wealth building.	Lower Median Salary: The $60,152 median is below the national average, requiring high volume or high-value sales to reach top-tier earnings.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Anchored by healthcare and education, reducing volatility in housing demand.	Modest Job Growth: A 3% growth rate means you must be proactive in finding clients; the market won't grow into your lap.
Manageable Market Size: Easier to become a known expert in specific neighborhoods without being overwhelmed by the scale of a huge city.	Car-Dependent: The spread-out metro area requires significant driving, which costs time and money.
Strong Sense of Community: Neighborhoods are distinct and loyal. Building a reputation here has long-term value.	Limited "Luxury" Market: While it exists, the ultra-high-end market is smaller than in NYC, LA, or even Columbus.
Strategic Location: Close to Cleveland and Columbus for networking, events, and additional opportunities.	Weather: Winters are cold and snowy, which can impact showing schedules and curb appeal for part of the year.