Real Estate Agent in Everett, WA

Of course. Here is a comprehensive career guide for Real Estate Agents considering Everett, WA.

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The Salary Picture: Where Everett Stands

Let's cut right to the numbers. As a Real Estate Agent in Everett, the median salary is $63,877/year. Your hourly rate, if you think of it in terms of a traditional 40-hour work week (even though we all know it's more), would be around $30.71/hour. This positions you slightly above the national average for real estate agents, which sits at $61,480/year.

However, it's crucial to understand that agent income is highly variable. It’s almost entirely commission-based, meaning your earnings are a direct reflection of your hustle, network, and market knowledge. The $63,877 figure is a median, not an average, which means half of the agents earn more, and half earn less. In the Everett metro area, there are currently 222 jobs for real estate agents, indicating a competitive but active market.

The 10-year job growth for this field is projected at 3%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable. It signals a consistent need for skilled agents who can navigate the local market, especially as the broader Snohomish County area continues to develop.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Your income potential will shift dramatically as you gain experience and build a client base. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect in the Everett market:

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Earnings	Key Focus
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $70,000	Building a sphere of influence, lead generation, learning contracts
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $120,000	Consistent client flow, referrals, niche development (e.g., first-time buyers)
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$120,000 - $200,000+	Strong referral network, luxury/expertise premiums, team leadership
Expert/Top Producer (15+ years)	$200,000+	High-volume sales, luxury market dominance, brokerage ownership

Comparison to Other WA Cities

Everett offers a unique position in the Washington real estate landscape. It’s more affordable than Seattle while still being part of the dynamic Puget Sound economy.

City	Median Agent Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg=100)	1BR Avg Rent
Everett	$63,877	113.0	$1,864
Seattle	$68,500	165.8	$2,200+
Bellevue	$72,000	189.0	$2,500+
Tacoma	$61,200	108.5	$1,650

Insider Tip: While Seattle and Bellevue have higher salary potential, the competition is fierce and the cost of living is punishing. Everett provides a "sweet spot" where you can build a solid career without being priced out of the community you serve. Your local knowledge of Everett's neighborhoods becomes a significant competitive advantage here.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. Earning a median salary of $63,877 as an independent contractor means you're responsible for your own taxes and business expenses. After federal self-employment tax (15.3%), federal income tax, and Washington state's business & occupation (B&O) tax, you can expect to take home roughly 65-70% of your gross commission income. On a $63,877 gross income, that's approximately $41,500 - $44,700 annually, or about $3,460 - $3,725 per month.

Now, let's factor in rent. The average 1-bedroom apartment in Everett costs $1,864/month. If you use 30% of your take-home pay for housing (a common benchmark), you'd need a monthly take-home of about $6,213, which requires a gross income of over $90,000. On a $63,877 salary, housing would consume closer to 50-55% of your take-home pay.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Real Estate Agent @ $63,877)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,323	Based on $63,877/year
Taxes & Deductions (30%)	$1,600	Est. for self-employment & income tax
Take-Home Pay	$3,723
Rent (1BR Avg)	$1,864	50% of take-home pay
Utilities/Internet	$250
Groceries	$400
Car Payment/Insurance	$450	Essential in Everett
Gas/Transportation	$200
Health Insurance	$350	(ACA plan, pre-subsidy)
Professional Dues/MLS	$150	$1,800/year estimate
Remaining	$59	Very tight budget

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?

Based on these numbers, buying a home on a $63,877 salary in Everett is a significant challenge. The median home price in Everett is around $600,000. A 20% down payment would be $120,000, and a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $3,500-$4,000.

Verdict: On a median salary of $63,877, buying a home in Everett is not feasible without a substantial down payment (from a partner, savings, or equity), a significant increase in income, or choosing a more affordable property like a condo or townhouse in a less expensive neighborhood. The key is to view your first 2-3 years as an investment in building your business to push your income into the mid-career range.

Where the Jobs Are: Everett's Major Employers

While you'll likely be an independent agent, your career success is tied to the health of the local economy. Everett is a hub for several major industries, which drives housing demand.

1. Boeing (Everett Plant): This is the city's economic engine. The massive Everett Factory, home to wide-body aircraft production, employs tens of thousands. Hiring trends are directly tied to the global aerospace industry's health, but the base of skilled, well-paid workers provides a constant stream of potential buyers and sellers.
2. Providence Regional Medical Center (Colby & Pacific Campuses): A major healthcare employer in the region. The expansion of the Colby campus has created thousands of jobs for doctors, nurses, and medical staff, who are often stable, high-income buyers.
3. Snohomish County Government: As the county seat, Everett hosts numerous government jobs. These positions offer stability and good benefits, making county employees reliable clients for first-time homebuyer programs.
4. Washington State University (WSU) Everett: A growing university campus focused on STEM and business education. It attracts faculty, staff, and students, creating rental and entry-level housing demand.
5. Port of Everett: A key driver for maritime and manufacturing jobs. The Port's ongoing redevelopment is revitalizing the waterfront, attracting new businesses and residents.
6. City of Everett: The city itself is a major employer, with roles in public works, parks, and administration.
7. Major Retail & Logistics: The Boeing Freeway (WA-526) corridor is lined with major employers like the Boeing Mall, Target distribution centers, and other large-scale retail and logistics operations.

Insider Tip: Network outside of real estate. Join the Everett Chamber of Commerce, attend events at the Port, and volunteer at community functions. Your next client isn't just another agent; they're a Boeing engineer, a nurse at Providence, or a professor at WSU Everett.

Getting Licensed in Washington

The path to becoming a licensed Real Estate Agent in Washington is straightforward but requires commitment.

1. Pre-Licensing Education:

• Requirement: 90 hours of approved education from a state-accredited school.
• Cost: $400 - $800, depending on the provider (e.g., Kaplan, Rockwell Institute, local community colleges).
• Content: Real estate principles, practices, and Washington state law.

2. State Exam:

• Requirement: Pass both the national and Washington state portions of the exam.
• Cost: $138 exam fee (paid to the testing provider, Pearson VUE).
• Pass Rate: Be prepared; the state pass rate typically hovers around 70-75%. Budget for a potential retake.

3. License Application & Fees:

• Requirement: Submit your exam results, a background check, and an application to the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).
• Cost: $294 for the license application and background check.
• Timeline: Once you pass the exam, you can typically get your license in 2-4 weeks.

4. Brokerage Affiliation:

• You must affiliate with a licensed Washington supervising broker to practice. Interview multiple brokerages to find the right fit for your training and commission split needs.

Total Estimated Startup Cost: $832 - $1,232

Timeline to Get Started: A dedicated candidate can complete the 90-hour course in 4-6 weeks, study for the exam (2-4 weeks), and be licensed and working with a brokerage within 2-3 months.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and networking. Here are key Everett neighborhoods to consider:

1. Downtown Everett:

• Vibe: Urban, walkable, revitalizing. Close to the waterfront, restaurants, and the arts district.
• Commute: Ideal if you work from home or have clients in the core. Easy access to I-5.
• Rent Estimate: $1,600 - $2,200 for a 1BR apartment or loft.
• Agent Fit: Great for young agents who want to be in the heart of the action and network at local events.

2. North Everett (Rucker Hill, Lowell):

• Vibe: Established residential, quiet, with older charm and great views. Strong community feel.
• Commute: 10-15 minutes to downtown/Boeing. Easy access to I-5.
• Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $1,900 for a 1BR apartment or older house.
• Agent Fit: Ideal for agents with a family or those who prefer a quieter home base while staying close to the city center.

3. Westmont / Silver Lake:

• Vibe: Suburban, family-oriented, with good schools and parks. More modern housing stock.
• Commute: 15-20 minutes to downtown. Can be busier during peak times.
• Rent Estimate: $1,700 - $2,100 for a modern 1BR or 2BR apartment.
• Agent Fit: Perfect for agents who specialize in the family home market and want to live in the community they serve.

4. Harborview / Port Gardner:

• Vibe: Industrial-adjacent, with pockets of residential areas. Affordable, with ongoing redevelopment.
• Commute: 5-10 minutes to downtown and the Port. Very close to Boeing.
• Rent Estimate: $1,400 - $1,800 for a 1BR apartment.
• Agent Fit: Good for budget-conscious agents and those who want to be near the Boeing workforce and Port activity.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% 10-year job growth means you can't afford to be stagnant. Advancement comes from specialization and scaling.

Specialty Premiums:

• Luxury Market: High-end properties in areas like the Silver Lake waterfront or exclusive enclaves in North Everett can command premium commissions.
• First-Time Homebuyer Specialist: With a large portion of the population in the rental market, becoming an expert on FHA loans, down payment assistance, and first-time buyer education is a huge niche.
• Investment Properties: As the rental market remains strong ($1,864/month average), agents who understand multi-family and small apartment buildings can build a lucrative business with investor clients.

Advancement Paths:

1. Team Leader: Join a top-producing team, learn the ropes, and eventually build your own team.
2. Brokerage Manager: Move into the management side of a brokerage, training new agents and overseeing operations.
3. Broker-Owner: After years of experience, open your own brokerage. This requires significant capital and business acumen.
4. Commercial Real Estate: Transition to commercial properties, which often have a higher barrier to entry but larger transaction sizes.

10-Year Outlook: The Everett market will continue to be shaped by its proximity to Seattle, the health of Boeing, and the development of the waterfront and downtown core. Agents who adapt to technology (virtual tours, digital marketing) and build deep local expertise will thrive. The 3% growth is a baseline; top producers will significantly outperform it.

The Verdict: Is Everett Right for You?

Making the move to Everett is a strategic decision. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Affordable Market Entry: Lower cost of living than Seattle/Bellevue allows you to build a career without financial desperation.	Competitive Market: You will be competing with hundreds of other agents for a finite number of transactions.
Diverse Economy: Anchored by aerospace, healthcare, and government, providing a stable base of potential clients.	Commission Volatility: Income is not guaranteed. The first 1-2 years are a significant financial grind.
Strong Community Vibe: Everett has a distinct identity and pride, which can be leveraged in your marketing.	Buying a Home is Tough: The median salary of $63,877 makes homeownership a long-term goal, not an immediate one.
Growth Potential: The city is investing in its future (waterfront, downtown), creating new opportunities.	Weather & Commute: The Pacific Northwest gray and rainy season can be a mental adjustment. Traffic on I-5 can be challenging.

Final Recommendation:

Everett is an excellent choice for a Real Estate Agent who is entrepreneurial, resilient, and community-focused. It's not a get-rich-quick market. It's a "get-solid" market.

You should move to Everett if:

• You're willing to grind for at least 2 years to build your business.
• You're excited by the city's blue-collar roots and its upward trajectory.
• You want to be a true local expert, not just a salesperson.
• You value a work-life balance that's more achievable here than in the hyper-competitive Seattle core.

If you're looking for a high-volume, luxury-focused career from day one, Seattle or Bellevue might be a better fit. But for building a sustainable, long-term career with deep community ties, Everett offers a compelling and realistic path forward.

FAQs

Q: How long does it realistically take to start making a livable income in Everett?
A: Plan for a 6-12 month runway. In your first year, many agents earn between $40,000 and $50,000, often supplemented by a part-time job or savings. Consistent, livable income (closer to the $63,877 median) typically begins in year two as you convert leads and gain referrals.

Q: Is the 3% job growth a concern?
A: Not necessarily. That 3% is for the overall agent profession. Your personal growth is up to you. A hardworking agent can double the median salary well before the 10-year mark. The statistic simply indicates the market isn't exploding with new opportunities; you have to carve them out from the existing market.

Q: What's the biggest mistake new agents make in Everett?
A: Failing to specialize. Trying to be everything to everyone is a recipe for failure. The most successful new agents I know in Everett picked a niche early—like "Everett first-time buyers" or "Westmont neighborhood specialist"—and built their entire marketing strategy around it.

Q: How important is it to be physically located in Everett?
A: Critical. Your license must be held with a Washington broker, but your physical presence is key. Clients want to meet their agent at a local coffee shop. They want an agent who knows the traffic patterns, the school boundaries, and which side of the street gets more sun. Living and working in the community you serve is a non-negotiable advantage.

Q: What professional organizations should I join?
A: The Snohomish County & Northwest Multiple Listing Service (NWMLS) is mandatory for access to listings. Beyond that, join the local Everett Board of Realtors and the Washington Association of Realtors for networking, education, and advocacy. The Everett Chamber of Commerce is also invaluable for connecting with other local business owners.