Real Estate Agent in Beaverton, OR

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Real Estate Agents considering a move to Beaverton, OR.

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The Salary Picture: Where Beaverton Stands

As a real estate agent in Beaverton, your income is a direct reflection of your hustle, market knowledge, and network. There's no guaranteed salary. However, we can analyze the available data to set realistic expectations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and salary aggregation sites, the median salary for real estate agents in the Beaverton metro area is $62,697/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $30.14/hour. This figure sits slightly above the national average of $61,480/year, a small but meaningful advantage for the local market.

The job market itself is competitive but stable, with approximately 193 real estate agent jobs in the metro area. Over the last decade, the sector has seen steady, albeit modest, growth of 3%, indicating a mature market rather than a volatile boom. This is a market for seasoned professionals, not just for those chasing quick wins.

To understand what this salary means in practice, let's break it down by experience level. These are industry-standard estimates based on commission structures and local performance data.

Experience Level	Est. Annual Income	Est. Transactions/Year	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level	$40,000 - $55,000	4-8	Focused on building a client base, often part-time initially, relies heavily on broker support and referrals.
Mid-Career	$60,000 - $95,000	8-15	Established network, consistent client flow, may specialize (e.g., first-time buyers, condos).
Senior Agent	$100,000 - $160,000	15-25	Strong referral business, expert in a specific niche or neighborhood, mentors newer agents.
Expert/Broker	$170,000+	25+	Top producer, likely manages a team, may own a brokerage or hold a broker's license.

Insider Tip: Don't get fixated on the median. The top 20% of agents in Beaverton consistently earn well over $100,000. The bottom 20% may struggle to make $30,000. Your success depends on your business plan, marketing budget, and ability to generate leads in a tech-savvy region dominated by national brands and savvy local firms.

Comparison to Other Oregon Cities

How does Beaverton stack up? It's a solid mid-tier market within the state, offering a balance between opportunity and cost.

• Portland: The core urban market has a higher income ceiling but also significantly higher competition and operating costs. Agent incomes can be more volatile, tied closely to the downtown and inner-suburb markets.
• Bend: A high-demand, high-price market. Agents can earn more per transaction due to higher home values, but the market is seasonal and highly competitive with a transient population.
• Eugene: A more affordable market with a strong university influence. Agent incomes are generally lower than Beaverton, but the cost of doing business is also less.
• Salem: The state capital has a stable, government-driven housing market. Agent incomes are comparable to Beaverton but with less tech-sector influence on housing demand.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $62,697 sounds reasonable until you factor in Oregon's state income tax (which ranges from 4.75% to 9.9%) and the cost of living. Let's run the numbers for a single agent living and working in Beaverton.

Assumptions:

• Gross Annual Income: $62,697
• Filing Status: Single (no dependents)
• Estimated Deductions: Standard deduction, business expenses (MLS fees, marketing, car mileage).
• Average 1BR Rent in Beaverton: $1,545/month
• Cost of Living Index: 106.6 (6.6% higher than the national average)

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,225	($62,697 / 12)
Estimated Taxes & Deductions	~$1,300	Federal, State (OR), FICA. This is an estimate; consult a tax pro.
Net Monthly Income	$3,925	What you actually take home.
Rent (1BR Average)	-$1,545	Can range from $1,300 (older complexes) to $1,800+ (new builds).
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	-$250	PGE and NW Natural are the primary providers.
Groceries & Household	-$400	Beaverton has competitive grocery prices (WinCo, Fred Meyer).
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas/Insurance)	-$450	Essential in Beaverton. No car = very limited real estate career.
Health Insurance	-$350	A major expense for self-employed agents.
Professional Expenses (MLS, E&O, Marketing)	-$300	Non-negotiable business costs.
Leisure & Savings	-$630	Leftover for discretionary spending, emergency fund, or retirement.

Can they afford to buy a home? With a net monthly income of $3,925, a $1,545 rent payment consumes about 39% of take-home pay, which is at the upper limit of affordability. To buy a median-priced home in Beaverton (~$550,000), you'd need a significant down payment and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) likely exceeding $3,200. This would be untenable on a $62,697 salary alone. Insider Tip: Most successful agents in Beaverton either live with a partner who has a stable W-2 income or have been in the business long enough to consistently earn well above the median, often $90,000+, to comfortably enter the housing market.

Where the Jobs Are: Beaverton's Major Employers

While most agents are independent contractors, understanding the local economy is key to finding clients. Beaverton's employment landscape is a blend of tech, healthcare, and retail.

1. Intel (Ronler Acres Campus): This is the economic engine of the region. Intel's massive campus in south Beaverton employs over 20,000 people, many of whom are highly-paid engineers and tech professionals. They are a constant source of demand for housing, from apartments to high-end single-family homes in neighborhoods like South Beaverton and Terra Linda.
2. Nike World Headquarters: Located just north of Beaverton in unincorporated Washington County, Nike's presence is a defining feature of the area. It attracts a global workforce that values proximity to the campus, driving demand in neighborhoods like Mountain View and the Tanasbourne area.
3. Tuality Healthcare (now part of AdventHealth): While the main Tuality hospital is in Hillsboro, the network has a significant clinic and surgical center presence in Beaverton. Healthcare professionals are a stable client base, often looking for homes with easy commutes to both Beaverton and Hillsboro hospitals.
4. TEKsystems & Robert Half (Local Branches): These major IT and professional staffing firms have offices in Beaverton and nearby Hillsboro, feeding talent into the tech ecosystem. Their employees are often young, mobile professionals looking for rentals or starter homes.
5. Beaverton School District: One of the largest employers in Washington County. Teachers and staff are a core part of the community, often seeking homes in neighborhoods with good schools, such as the Raleigh Hills or Aloha areas.
6. Local Retail & Service Hubs: The Beaverton Central district and the progress ridge area are major employment centers for retail, dining, and services. These jobs provide a steady stream of first-time homebuyers and renters looking to upgrade.

Hiring Trend Insight: The demand for housing is directly tied to the health of the tech sector. When Intel or Nike announce expansions, the rental and purchase markets tighten almost immediately. As an agent, monitoring these corporate announcements gives you a 6-12 month lead on emerging client needs.

Getting Licensed in OR

Becoming a licensed real estate agent in Oregon is a regulated process with clear steps and costs.

Step-by-Step Process:

1. Complete Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete 150 hours of approved real estate education from an accredited school. This covers Oregon and federal real estate law, practices, and principles. Many schools offer online or hybrid courses.
2. Pass the State Exam: After completing your coursework, you must pass the Oregon Real Estate Agent exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE. It's a two-part exam (state and national) and has a first-time pass rate of around 60-70%.
3. Submit Your License Application: Once you pass the exam, you must submit your application to the Oregon Real Estate Agency (OREA). You will need to have a sponsoring broker at this stage.
4. Get Sponsored by a Broker: You cannot practice independently until you are affiliated with a licensed Oregon real estate broker. Interview multiple brokers in Beaverton to find one that offers the training, commission split, and culture that fits your goals.
5. Complete Post-Licensing Education: Oregon requires new agents to complete an additional 30 hours of approved post-licensing education within their first two years of licensure.

Timeline to Get Started: From the first day of class to holding your active license, the process typically takes 4 to 6 months, assuming you pass the exam on the first try.

Estimated Costs:

• Pre-Licensing Course (150 hours): $600 - $1,200
• State Exam Fee: $75
• License Application Fee: $300
• Background Check: $30
• Total (before books, supplies, or broker fees): Approximately $1,005 - $1,605

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

As an agent, where you live affects your commute, your networking opportunities, and your ability to serve clients. Here’s a breakdown of key Beaverton neighborhoods.

1. Beaverton Central / Old Town:

   • Vibe: Urban-suburban mix with walkable access to restaurants, coffee shops, and the Beaverton Central MAX station. Home to the annual Beaverton Night Market.
   • Commute: Excellent. Central to everything via car or public transit.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,750/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Agents who want to be in the heart of the action and easily connect with a diverse client base.

2. Tanasbourne / Aloha:

   • Vibe: A sprawling, car-dependent suburb with major shopping centers (Tanasbourne Town Center), newer apartment complexes, and a mix of older and newer homes. Very family-friendly.
   • Commute: Good access to Highway 26 and the Beaverton Creek MAX station, crucial for commutes to Nike and Intel.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,450 - $1,650/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Agents who specialize in family homes and want to be close to major employers.

3. Raleigh Hills / South Beaverton:

   • Vibe: Established, tree-lined neighborhoods with mid-century homes, excellent public schools, and a quieter, more residential feel. Close to the Fanno Creek Trail.
   • Commute: Good car access, slightly less convenient for public transit riders.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,550 - $1,800/month for a 1BR (often in older, well-kept complexes).
   • Best For: Agents who want a stable, community-oriented base and plan to work with school-focused families.

4. South Beaverton / Highland Road Area:

   • Vibe: A mix of older, affordable homes and new townhouse developments. Close to the desirable "South Beaverton" corridor of restaurants and shops. Directly adjacent to the Intel campus.
   • Commute: Unbeatable for Intel employees. Easy access to Highway 217.
   • Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,600/month for a 1BR.
   • Best For: Tech-focused agents who want to build a hyper-local niche in the Intel sphere of influence.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Building a sustainable career in Beaverton requires thinking beyond the first transaction. Here’s how to grow your income and influence.

Specialty Premiums: Generalist agents survive; specialists thrive. In Beaverton, consider these lucrative specialties:

• Tech Sector Relocation: Become the go-to agent for Intel and Nike transferees. This requires deep knowledge of local school districts, commute times, and rental vs. purchase options for corporate packages.
• Luxury Properties: While Beaverton isn't Portland's West Hills, areas like Raleigh Hills and South Beaverton have homes in the $800k-$1.5M range. This niche requires a high-touch service model and a strong professional network.
• First-Time Homebuyer Programs: Oregon offers excellent programs like the Oregon Bond Residential Loan Program. Becoming an expert here can capture a huge segment of the market, especially younger tech workers.

Advancement Paths:

1. Team Agent: Join a top-producing team in Beaverton to learn the ropes, get leads, and increase your transaction volume quickly, though for a lower commission split.
2. Brokerage Owner: After gaining experience, you can upgrade to a broker's license and open your own firm. This offers higher profit potential but comes with significant overhead and management responsibility.
3. Real Estate Coach/Trainer: Leverage your success to mentor new agents within your brokerage or through independent coaching.

10-Year Outlook: The 3% 10-year growth rate suggests a stable, not explosive, market. The key driver will be the continued expansion of the tech corridor. As Intel and Nike invest billions in local campuses, housing demand will remain robust. Agents who embrace technology (virtual tours, digital marketing, CRM systems) and build a reputation for deep local expertise will capture the lion's share of this growth. The biggest challenge will be affordability, which may push more clients toward the rental market, requiring agents to be adept at both leasing and sales.

The Verdict: Is Beaverton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Strong, Stable Job Market: Anchored by global tech giants (Intel, Nike).	High Cost of Living: Rent and home prices are steep relative to the median agent salary.
Slightly Above-Average Pay: Median salary of $62,697 beats the national average.	Intense Competition: Saturated market with both national franchises and seasoned local agents.
Diverse Client Base: Mix of tech professionals, families, and healthcare workers.	Car-Dependent Layout: Difficult to serve clients effectively without a reliable vehicle.
Vibrant, Growing City: Excellent food scene, parks, and community events.	Modest 3% Growth: Not a "get rich quick" market; success requires long-term strategy.
Proximity to Portland: Access to a larger metro area for networking and niche opportunities.	Income Volatility: As a commission-based role, there's no guaranteed paycheck, especially in the first 1-2 years.

Final Recommendation: Beaverton is an excellent choice for a real estate agent who is self-motivated, tech-savvy, and willing to invest in a long-term career. It is not a market for those looking for easy wins or who are uncomfortable with the financial uncertainty of commission-based work. If you have a financial cushion to survive the first year and a solid plan to network with the tech community, Beaverton offers a stable and rewarding path. The key is to specialize, build an impeccable local reputation, and manage your finances wisely from day one.

FAQs

1. How much do top real estate agents in Beaverton actually make?
While the median is $62,697, the top 10% of agents in the Beaverton area consistently earn well over $150,000 annually. These agents typically have 10+ years of experience, a strong referral network, and often specialize in a high-demand niche like relocation or luxury properties.

2. Is it better to join a large national brokerage or a small local one in Beaverton?
There's no single right answer. Large national brokerages (e.g., Keller Williams, RE/MAX) offer brand recognition and robust training systems, which are great for new agents. Small local brokerages often provide more personalized mentorship and a stronger sense of community. Insider Tip: Interview at least three different brokerages in Beaverton. Ask about their commission splits, desk fees, marketing support, and average agent production. The best fit depends on your learning style and business goals.

3. Do I need a car to be a real estate agent in Beaverton?
Yes, absolutely. While the MAX light rail is effective for commuting to Portland or Hillsboro, Beaverton is a sprawling suburb. You will need to show properties, meet clients at job sites, visit open houses, and attend inspections all over Washington County. A reliable car is a non-negot