Career Guide for Real Estate Agents in Fairfield, CA

Welcome to Fairfield. If you're considering a move here, you're looking at a city in Solano County that sits at a strategic crossroads—between the Bay Area's high costs and Sacramento's more affordable living. It's a place of daily commuters, military families, and a growing local economy. As a real estate agent, your success here hinges on understanding the specific market dynamics, the major employers that drive housing demand, and the financial realities of living and working in this part of California.

This guide is built on data and local insight. We'll break down what you can expect to earn, what it costs to live here, where the jobs actually are, and whether this is the right long-term move for your career. We're not here to sell you on Fairfield; we're here to give you the unvarnished facts so you can make an informed decision.

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The Salary Picture: Where Fairfield Stands

Real estate agent income is notoriously variable, based heavily on commission, market activity, and personal hustle. However, using aggregated data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the broader metro area gives us a solid baseline to start from.

The median annual salary for Real Estate Agents in the Fairfield metro area is $63,176/year. This translates to a median hourly rate of $30.37/hour. For context, this sits just above the national average for the profession, which is $61,480/year. It's crucial to understand that this "median" figure includes all agents—those struggling to close their first deal alongside seasoned pros with established client rosters. Your personal earnings will fall somewhere on a wide spectrum.

Experience-Level Earnings Breakdown

While the BLS provides the median, real-world earnings for agents typically follow a distinct trajectory based on experience and network.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Earnings Range (Fairfield)	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $70,000	Focus on learning the market, building a client base, and surviving on a limited number of transactions. Many agents supplement income with other work initially.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $120,000	Established client base, consistent referral business, and deeper knowledge of specific neighborhoods. Efficiency increases.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$120,000 - $250,000+	Often specializes (e.g., luxury, first-time buyers, investors). Has a strong reputation and a large, repeat client network. Operates with a team or assistant.
Expert/Top Producer (15+ years)	$250,000+	Dominates a specific niche or geographic area. May own a brokerage or lead a large team. Income is highly leveraged through volume and team splits.

Comparison to Other California Cities

Fairfield's median salary is higher than in many other non-coastal California cities but significantly lower than in the major coastal metros.

• San Francisco/Oakland: Median salary often exceeds $90,000, but cost of living is 300%+ the national average.
• Sacramento: Median salary is closer to $68,000, with a cost of living about 15% above the national average.
• Los Angeles: Median salary around $75,000, but with some of the highest rents in the country.
• Fresno/Bakersfield: Median salaries can be lower ($55,000 - $60,000), but so is the cost of living.

Insider Tip: Don't just look at the median. Look at the number of transactions. The Fairfield market sees a healthy mix of local moves and Bay Area refugees seeking affordability. An agent who can effectively market to both groups can outperform the median significantly.

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The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's ground the $63,176 median salary in reality. As an independent contractor (1099), you'll be responsible for your own taxes, health insurance, and business expenses. This budget breakdown assumes you're a single agent with no dependents and that you're earning the median.

Key Data Points:

• Average 1BR Rent in Fairfield: $1,853/month
• Cost of Living Index: 109.2 (U.S. average = 100)
• Metro Population: 120,764

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Real Estate Agent, $63,176 Annual)

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Income	$5,265	Based on $63,176 annual salary.
Taxes & Business Expenses	$1,316 - $1,580	~25-30% for self-employment tax, federal/state income tax, MLS dues, E&O insurance, marketing, car expenses.
Net Take-Home Pay	$3,685 - $3,949	This is your actual cash flow for living expenses.
Rent (1BR Apartment)	$1,853	A significant portion of your net income.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water, Internet)	$250 - $350	Can vary by season (AC in summer).
Groceries & Household	$400 - $500	Solano County has standard grocery prices.
Car Payment/Insurance/Gas	$500 - $700	Essential for showing properties across the county.
Health Insurance	$300 - $500	A major cost for 1099 contractors.
Miscellaneous & Savings	$382 - $846	This is what's left for savings, retirement, entertainment, and unexpected costs.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With the above budget, the remaining $382 - $846 is tight for saving for a down payment. The median home price in Fairfield is approximately $550,000. A 20% down payment would be $110,000. On a $63,176 salary, saving for this would be a multi-year endeavor without significant side income or a partner's salary. However, many agents eventually buy once their income grows past the median. The key is to treat your first few years as an investment in your business, not a time for major personal debt.

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Where the Jobs Are: Fairfield's Major Employers

The "job" for a real estate agent is finding clients. The clients come from the people who live and work in Fairfield. Understanding the major employers is like having a map to where the housing demand originates.

1. Travis Air Force Base: This is the economic engine of the city. Home to the 60th Air Mobility Wing, it's one of the largest employers in the entire Bay Area. It brings in thousands of military personnel, civilian employees, and contractors, all of whom need housing, either on-base (limited) or off-base. Hiring Trend: Steady, with a constant churn of personnel rotating in and out, creating a reliable stream of rental and purchase clients.

2. NorthBay Healthcare: The largest healthcare provider in Solano County, with its main hospital, NorthBay Medical Center, located in Fairfield. It employs thousands of doctors, nurses, and support staff. Hiring Trend: Consistent growth, driven by an aging population and the expansion of services to meet regional needs. These are stable, professional clients.

3. Kaiser Permanente (Fairfield Medical Offices): While the main hospital is in Vallejo, Kaiser's large presence in Fairfield serves a massive patient base. It's a major employer of healthcare professionals. Hiring Trend: Continual expansion of outpatient services, leading to more local hires.

4. Solano County Government: The county seat is in Fairfield. This includes courts, social services, public health, and administration. Hiring Trend: Stable government employment with good benefits, attractive to families looking for long-term stability in housing.

5. Amazon (DCA3 Fulfillment Center): Located near the I-80 corridor, this massive facility employs thousands of warehouse and logistics workers. While some are part-time, the scale of the operation creates significant housing demand for both renters and first-time buyers. Hiring Trend: Rapid growth, with the potential for future expansion.

6. Local School Districts (Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District): One of the largest school districts in the area, employing hundreds of teachers, administrators, and support staff. Hiring Trend: Stable, with a focus on hiring to match student population growth from new housing developments.

Insider Tip: Network with HR departments and relocation specialists at these major employers. Many companies have official or unofficial relocation programs for new hires, and being the go-to agent for a company's incoming employees can be a lucrative business model.

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Getting Licensed in CA

The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) oversees licensing. The process is straightforward but requires commitment.

1. Pre-Licensing Education: You must complete three college-level courses (45 hours each) in Real Estate Principles, Real Estate Practice, and one elective. This can be done online through accredited schools (e.g., The CE Shop, Kaplan) or in person. Cost: $300 - $600 for the courses.
2. State Exam: After completing your courses, you must pass the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam. It's a 150-question multiple-choice test. Cost: $60 exam fee.
3. Live Scan Fingerprinting: Required for a background check. Cost: ~$70.
4. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the DRE with the required fees. Cost: $245 application fee.
5. Total Estimated Cost & Timeline: $675 - $975 total. From starting courses to receiving your license, expect a timeline of 4-6 months if studying part-time. You must be at least 18 years old, honest, and have no disqualifying criminal convictions.

Post-License: Once licensed, you must join a brokerage. You cannot practice independently. You'll also need to complete 45 hours of continuing education every 4 years to renew your license.

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Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live affects your commute, client accessibility, and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of key areas.

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Commute	Approx. 1BR Rent	Why It's Good for an Agent
Central Fairfield (Downtown)	Urban, walkable, historic. Easy access to I-680/I-80.	$1,700 - $2,000	Close to county offices, courts, and local businesses. Good for building a local network.
Green Valley / Rancho Solano	Suburban, family-oriented, near Travis AFB.	$1,900 - $2,200	Prime area for military families. High demand for single-family homes. Strong school district.
Cordelia / North Bay	Upscale, quiet, with newer developments.	$2,000 - $2,400	Attracts professionals from NorthBay and Kaiser. Higher price point listings.
Suisun City (adjacent)	More affordable, historic charm, waterfront access.	$1,600 - $1,850	Lower entry point for first-time buyers. Growing area with redevelopment projects.
Bay Area Commuter Belt (I-80 Corridor)	Highly accessible for commuters to Sacramento or SF.	$1,850 - $2,100	Ideal if you're targeting clients who work outside Fairfield. Be prepared for traffic.

Insider Tip: Many agents choose to live in the same area they specialize in. If you're focusing on Travis AFB families, living in Green Valley puts you in the community. If you're targeting Bay Area commuters, a spot near the I-80 corridor makes sense.

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The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying at the median ($63,176) shouldn't be your goal. Growth comes from specialization and scaling.

• Specialty Premiums: Agents who specialize can command higher commissions and more referrals.
  • Military Relocation Professional (MRP): Essential for Travis AFB. Certification from NAR.
  • Probate & Trust Specialist: Solano County has an aging population; this is a steady niche.
  • Luxury Property Agent: Focus on the Cordelia and Green Valley estates.
  • First-Time Buyer Specialist: Crucial for the Amazon and healthcare workforce.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Team Member: Join a top producer's team. You get leads and mentorship in exchange for a split of the commission (e.g., 50/50 or 70/30). This is the fastest way to scale income early on.
  2. Broker/Owner: After 2+ years and significant sales, you can get your broker's license and open your own shop. This involves more overhead but offers the highest income potential.
  3. Realtor Association Leadership: Getting involved in the Solano County Association of Realtors builds your network and reputation, leading to referral business.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% 10-year job growth for the metro area is modest but steady. Fairfield's role as an affordability hub for the Bay Area is likely to strengthen. However, increased regulation and technological disruption (e.g., iBuyers) will pressure lower-performing agents. The agents who will thrive are those who provide deep local expertise, superior client service, and build a personal brand. Expect competition to increase, but so do the opportunities for those who adapt.

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The Verdict: Is Fairfield Right for You?

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Affordable Entry: Compared to the Bay Area, you can live here on a real estate agent's income.	Competition: You're competing with agents from the entire Bay Area who market to Fairfield buyers.
Steady Demand: Travis AFB, healthcare, and government provide a stable client base.	Lower Ceiling: The median home price caps commission potential unless you specialize in higher-end niches.
Strategic Location: Close to both Sacramento and the Bay Area for wider networking.	Traffic & Commute: I-80 and I-680 can be brutal, eating into your time for showings.
Growing Community: New developments and businesses are arriving, creating new neighborhoods to dominate.	Seasonal Market: The market can cool significantly in the winter and around holidays.

Final Recommendation

Fairfield is a strong choice for an agent who is disciplined, patient, and willing to niche down. It is not a "get rich quick" market like the hot spots of 2021, but it offers a realistic path to a solid middle-class career in California. It's ideal for:

• An agent leaving the Bay Area who wants to lower their cost of living without leaving the state's economic orbit.
• A military spouse or someone with ties to Travis AFB.
• A newly licensed agent looking for a market with consistent, predictable demand to build their first few years of experience.

If you're seeking a high-volume, ultra-luxury market, you might look to Marin or Silicon Valley. But for building a sustainable, community-focused real estate business, Fairfield presents a compelling, data-backed opportunity.

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FAQs

1. Do I need a car to be a real estate agent in Fairfield?
Absolutely. Fairfield is spread out, and you'll regularly show properties in Green Valley, Suisun City, and Cordelia. You'll also need to travel to the Sacramento or Bay Area for networking events or client meetings. Relying on public transit is not feasible for this career here.

2. How competitive is the market for new agents?
It's competitive, like anywhere. However, the large number of incoming military personnel and first-time buyers creates a segment of the market that is less attached to a specific agent. Being knowledgeable about VA loans and first-time buyer programs can give you a significant edge over agents who only focus on local, established homeowners.

3. What's the best way to get clients from Travis AFB?
Get your Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification. Network with the base's Relocation Assistance Program (RAP) office. Attend events at the Travis AFB Officers' Club and community centers. Be visible and knowledgeable about the specific needs of military families (PCS timelines, VA loans, etc.).

4. Is the cost of living really 9.2% above the national average?
Yes, according to the index. While it's far better than San Francisco (which is ~250% above), it's notably higher than the national average and even Sacramento. The primary driver is housing, which is why your rent or mortgage will be your biggest expense. However, goods, services, and transportation are closer to the national average.

5. Can I make a full-time living in Fairfield as a part-time agent?
It's challenging. The $30.37/hour median rate accounts for all the non-showing work: marketing, paperwork, continuing education, and networking. To reach or exceed the median, you need to treat it as a full-time business. Part-time agents often struggle to build the momentum needed to compete with full-time professionals.