Real Estate Agent Career Guide: Dayton, OH

As a career analyst who’s lived in Dayton for over a decade, I’ve watched the real estate market ebb and flow with the city’s economy. Dayton isn’t a boomtown like Austin or Denver; it’s a steady, resilient market where local knowledge trumps flash. If you’re considering a move here, know this: your success will depend less on national trends and more on understanding the unique fabric of neighborhoods from Kettering to Riverside, and the economic drivers that keep this city moving. This guide is built on hard data and local insights to help you make an informed decision.

The Salary Picture: Where Dayton Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers. The median salary for a Real Estate Agent in Dayton is $60,059/year. On an hourly basis, that breaks down to approximately $28.87/hour. It’s crucial to understand that this is the median—meaning half of all agents earn more, and half earn less. Your income is directly tied to your hustle, your network, and your ability to navigate Dayton’s diverse neighborhoods.

Compared to the national average of $61,480/year, Dayton sits just slightly below, which is telling. It reflects a lower cost of living (more on that later) but also a market that doesn't have the explosive growth of coastal hubs. The metro area supports 271 real estate agent jobs, and the 10-year job growth is projected at 3%. This isn’t a field that’s exploding, but it’s stable and offers a defined career path for those who are disciplined.

To give you a clearer picture, here’s a breakdown of salary by experience level in the Dayton area. Remember, these are estimates based on local brokerages and commission splits.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Income	Key Factors in Dayton
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$35,000 - $50,000	Relies heavily on broker leads, rental market (Dayton has a strong renter population), and building a sphere of influence.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $85,000	Established client base, repeat business, strong referral network. Likely handling a mix of first-time buyers and investors.
Senior (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $120,000+	Specialization (e.g., luxury homes in Oakwood, probate sales in older neighborhoods), leadership roles (team lead, broker).
Expert/Top Producer (15+ years)	$120,000 - $250,000+	Dominant market share in a specific niche or geographic area (e.g., Beavercreek schools, Kettering flips). Often runs a team.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary leap in Dayton happens between years 3 and 5. This is when you stop relying on your broker’s hand-me-down leads and start generating consistent business from your own network. The agents who succeed here are the ones who volunteer at local events (like the Dayton Music Art and Food Fest) or sponsor a little league team in Centerville. Dayton rewards community involvement.

Comparison to Other Ohio Cities

Dayton’s salary is competitive within the state, but context matters.

• Columbus: The state capital and a growing tech hub. Median salary is closer to $65,000. Higher earning potential but also fiercer competition and a higher cost of living.
• Cincinnati: A larger, more established market. Salaries are similar to Dayton, around $62,000, but the luxury market in Hyde Park and Indian Hill offers higher ceilings.
• Cleveland: Similar to Dayton in economic profile. Median salary is approximately $59,000. The Lake Erie shoreline and rehab opportunities in Ohio City offer different niches.
• Toledo: A smaller market with a lower median salary, around $55,000. Less competition but also fewer high-end sales.

Dayton strikes a balance: it’s large enough to offer diverse opportunities (from urban lofts in the Oregon District to sprawling suburbs) but small enough that you can actually get to know the other top agents in town.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $60,059 salary looks different after Uncle Sam and your landlord take their share. Let’s break down a typical monthly budget for a Real Estate Agent in Dayton. (Note: We are not accounting for business expenses like MLS fees, E&O insurance, marketing, or car maintenance, which can easily add $500-$800/month).

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,005
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, State, FICA): ~$1,100 (This is an estimate; consult a CPA. Self-employment tax is a significant factor for agents.)
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,905
• Average 1BR Rent: $800/month
• Utilities & Insurance: $200
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $500 (Essential for showings across the metro area)
• Groceries & Essentials: $400
• Discretionary/Entertainment: $300
• Total Monthly Expenses: $2,200
• Remaining for Savings/Debt/Business: ~$1,705

This looks manageable, and it is. Dayton’s Cost of Living Index of 92.3 (US avg = 100) is a major advantage. You can live comfortably on a median agent income.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Yes, absolutely. This is one of Dayton’s biggest draws. With a take-home pay of ~$3,905 and a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $1,200-$1,500 for a $200,000-$250,000 home, you’d be spending less than 40% of your take-home pay on housing—the general affordability benchmark.

However, as a real estate agent, you need to be strategic. Don’t buy in the first neighborhood you show. Here’s the reality:

• A $200,000 home with 5% down ($10,000) would have a monthly payment of ~$1,400.
• That’s 36% of your take-home, which is tight but doable if you have a steady stream of commissions.
• Insider Tip: Many successful Dayton agents live in the very neighborhoods they specialize in. An agent in Kettering often lives there; an agent focusing on downtown Dayton condos lives in the Oregon District or St. Anne’s Hill. This builds authenticity and community trust.

Where the Jobs Are: Dayton's Major Employers

While you’re commissioned-based, the health of the local economy drives housing demand. Dayton’s employment base is diverse, built on healthcare, aerospace, manufacturing, and education. Here are the major players that keep the housing market moving:

1. Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB): The region’s economic engine. It’s one of the largest single-site employers in Ohio, with over 30,000 military and civilian personnel. New hires and transferred personnel create a constant stream of buyers and renters. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a focus on engineering, IT, and logistics. This means a consistent demand for homes in Beavercreek, Fairborn, and Kettering.
2. Kettering Health Network & Premier Health: These two major healthcare systems are massive employers, with multiple hospitals (Miami Valley Hospital, Grandview Medical Center, Soin Medical Center). They employ thousands of nurses, doctors, and support staff. Hiring Trend: Aggressive expansion, especially in suburban markets like Centerville, Kettering, and Huber Heights. This fuels demand for single-family homes in good school districts.
3. Sinclair Community College & University of Dayton (UD): Sinclair is a national model for community college education, and UD is a major private university. Together, they employ thousands and attract students, faculty, and staff. Hiring Trend: UD’s growth in engineering and business programs draws higher-income professionals who often buy in the South Park or Grafton Hill neighborhoods.
4. General Motors (GM) – Durand Assembly Plant: While much of the massive GM presence of the past is gone, the Durand plant remains a significant employer. Hiring Trend: More stable in recent years, supporting a blue-collar buyer base in neighborhoods like Moraine and West Carrollton.
5. McKesson & Other Corporations: The Miami Valley is home to distribution giants like McKesson, which employs a large logistics workforce. Hiring Trend: Steady, with demand for affordable housing in the outer-ring suburbs like Englewood and Clayton.
6. Dayton Children’s Hospital: A top-tier pediatric hospital and a major employer. Hiring Trend: Continuous growth, attracting medical professionals who often seek homes near the hospital in the Washington Township area.

Insider Tip: The real estate market in Dayton is heavily influenced by WPAFB’s BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) cycles. When the base gets a new mission or department (like the AFRL), it brings in higher-ranking officers and civilian executives looking for larger homes in areas like Centerville or Springboro. Tracking military news is as important as tracking interest rates here.

Getting Licensed in OH

Ohio’s licensing process is straightforward but requires dedication. You must go through the Ohio Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing (ODRE).

Requirements:

1. Pre-Licensing Coursework: 120 hours of approved real estate education. This can be done online or in-person through providers like Hondros College or the Ohio Real Estate Academy. Cost: $400 - $600.
2. Background Check: Required through the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the FBI.
3. State Exam: After course completion, you apply to the ODRE to take the state exam. The exam fee is $81.
4. Find a Broker: You cannot practice until you are affiliated with a licensed Ohio broker. This is a critical step—interview multiple brokerages in Dayton to find the right fit (commission split, training, culture). Many local brokerages (like HER Realtors, Coldwell Banker Realty, or smaller boutique firms) offer mentorship programs.
5. Post-Licensing Education: Once licensed, you must complete 30 hours of post-licensing education within your first two years.

Timeline to Get Started:

• 1-2 months: Complete 120-hour pre-licensing course.
• 1-2 weeks: Schedule and pass the state exam.
• 1 month: Find a broker, complete background check, and get your license issued.
• Total: 2.5 - 4 months from start to having your license in hand.

Cost Summary (Approximate):

• Pre-Licensing Course: $500
• Exam Fee: $81
• Background Checks: ~$100
• License Application Fee: $125
• Total Startup Cost: ~$806 (Not including E&O insurance or MLS fees, which your broker will guide you on).

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live affects your commute, your networking, and the clients you attract. Dayton’s metro is a patchwork of distinct municipalities. Here’s a strategic breakdown:

1. Kettering (Suburban, Family-Friendly):

   • Vibe: Safe, excellent schools (Fairmont High School), lots of parks, and a strong community feel. It’s a top choice for agents with families.
   • Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown Dayton. Easy access to I-75 and I-675.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,100 - $1,300/month.
   • Why Live Here: You can easily specialize in the massive resale market here and build a local reputation.

2. Oregon District / St. Anne’s Hill (Urban, Historic):

   • Vibe: Walkable, vibrant nightlife, historic architecture, artsy. Popular with young professionals, artists, and UD faculty.
   • Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown offices. Walkable to many amenities.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR/Loft): $900 - $1,400/month.
   • Why Live Here: Perfect for agents targeting first-time buyers, condo conversions, and the urban lifestyle market. You’ll be immersed in the city’s cultural core.

3. Centerville (Upscale Suburban):

   • Vibe: Affluent, top-rated schools, well-maintained homes, and a bustling commercial corridor. The choice for many medical professionals and executives.
   • Commute: 20-25 minutes to downtown; 25-30 to WPAFB.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,300 - $1,600/month.
   • Why Live Here: High-value real estate. Living here positions you as an expert in the premium suburban market, where sales prices are higher (and commissions are larger).

4. Beavercreek (Military & Family Hub):

   • Vibe: Adjacent to WPAFB, so it’s heavily populated with military families. Good schools, chain restaurants, and newer housing stock.
   • Commute: 15 minutes to WPAFB; 25 to downtown.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,200 - $1,400/month.
   • Why Live Here: If you want to specialize in serving the military community—understanding VA loans, PCS moves, and base proximity—this is your home base.

5. Huber Heights (Affordable Growth):

   • Vibe: One of the larger suburbs with a mix of older and new construction. More affordable entry point. Home to the “Tiger Town” shopping district.
   • Commute: 20 minutes to downtown; 30 to WPAFB.
   • Rent Estimate (2BR): $1,000 - $1,200/month.
   • Why Live Here: Great for agents focusing on first-time buyers and investors. The market here is active with lower price points, meaning more volume.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Dayton, career growth isn’t about a corporate ladder; it’s about building your personal brand and expertise.

Specialty Premiums:

• Relocation Specialist (WPAFB): Becoming an expert in serving military transferees can command a premium. You understand the tight timelines and VA loan nuances.
• Luxury Market (Oakwood, Washington Twp.): Specializing in homes over $500K requires a different marketing strategy and network. It’s a smaller pool but higher commission per sale.
• Probate & Estate Sales: Dayton has many older homes in historic districts. Building relationships with attorneys and estate planners can provide a steady stream of unique listings.

Advancement Paths:

• Team Leader: After building a personal brand, you can hire an assistant and junior agent, taking a split of their commissions.
• Broker/Owner: The ultimate step. Requires more experience, additional coursework, and significant capital, but offers the highest control and income potential.
• Niche Development: Become “the agent” for a specific neighborhood (e.g., the South Park expert) or a specific type of client (e.g., the UD professor specialist).

10-Year Outlook:
The 3% job growth projection is conservative but realistic. Dayton’s economy is stable, not explosive. The aging population means more downsizing and estate sales. The continued strength of WPAFB and healthcare will drive demand. The rise of remote work may allow Dayton to attract more buyers from pricier markets, potentially lifting the median home price. For agents, the key will be leveraging technology (virtual tours, social media) while doubling down on the hyper-local, personal touch that Daytoners value.

The Verdict: Is Dayton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your salary goes far. Homeownership is very attainable.	Slower Market Growth: Not a place for get-rich-quick speculation. Steady, not flashy.
Stable, Diverse Economy: Anchored by government (WPAFB), healthcare, and education.	Smaller Job Pool: Only 271 agent jobs in the metro. Competition is local and familiar.
Manageable Commutes: Unlike sprawling metros, you can live where you work.	Winters Can Be Gray: The weather is a factor for those who crave sunshine.
Strong Community Vibe: Success is built on relationships and local involvement.	Limited Luxury Market: Highest-end sales are concentrated in a few specific suburbs.
Clear Path to Licensing: Straightforward process with reputable local schools.	Income Variability: Like all commission-based roles, feast-or-famine cycles are real.

Final Recommendation:
Dayton is an excellent choice for a Real Estate Agent who values stability, affordability, and community over chasing explosive growth. It’s ideal for those who are self-motivated, enjoy building genuine relationships, and want a high quality of life without the financial stress of a major coastal city. If you’re willing to put in the work to specialize in a niche (military, urban condos, suburban families) and become a known face in your community, you can build a very comfortable, sustainable career here. It’s not a market for the impatient, but for the long-game planner, Dayton offers a realistic path to success.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car to be a real estate agent in Dayton?
Absolutely, yes. The Dayton metro area is spread