Real Estate Agent in Inglewood, CA

As a career analyst who's watched Inglewood's transformation from a quiet suburb to a major Los Angeles County hub, I can tell you that becoming a real estate agent here isn't just about selling houses—it's about understanding a city in the midst of profound change. The new stadiums, the influx of investment, and the shifting demographics have created a unique market that rewards agents who know the streets, the schools, and the subtle differences from block to block. This isn't a guide for tourists; it's a pragmatic look at whether you can build a sustainable career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Inglewood Stands

Real estate income is notoriously variable, but the median salary for Real Estate Agents in Inglewood provides a crucial baseline. The median salary is $64,338/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.93/hour. For context, that's slightly above the national average of $61,480/year but significantly below the earnings potential in coastal enclaves like Santa Monica or Beverly Hills. The market here is more volume-driven than ultra-luxury driven.

The job market itself is competitive and relatively tight. There are approximately Jobs in Metro: 205 positions listed for Real Estate Agents in the broader Inglewood/South Bay area, with a 10-Year Job Growth of 3%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's steady, indicating a stable, established market rather than a speculative bubble.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of earnings by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local commission structures and market activity.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Income	Typical Transaction Volume	Key Differentiators
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$45,000 - $65,000	6-10 sides	Building a network, learning hyper-local trends, working under a broker. Often depends on team support.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$65,000 - $95,000	12-20 sides	Established referral base, deeper knowledge of specific neighborhoods (e.g., Morningside Park vs. Market Street), reliable income.
Senior Agent (8-15 years)	$95,000 - $150,000+	20-35 sides	Specialization (e.g., first-time buyers, multifamily), mentorship roles, strong brand recognition in the community.
Expert/Top Producer (15+ years)	$150,000 - $300,000+	35+ sides	Focus on high-value properties, commercial real estate, or new developments. Deep ties to local developers and investors.

Insider Tip: Don't just compare the median to Los Angeles as a whole. Inglewood's median is bolstered by a high volume of mid-range sales ($700k - $1.2M), whereas top agents in Brentwood or Westwood might close fewer but much more expensive deals. Your hustle and efficiency matter more here than in some luxury markets.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get brutally practical. Earning the median salary of $64,338/year as a real estate agent is a gross figure. As an independent contractor (1099), you're responsible for your own taxes, health insurance, and business expenses. This significantly changes your take-home pay.

The Reality Check: After setting aside ~25-30% for federal and state taxes, self-employment tax, and business deductions (car, MLS fees, marketing), your net take-home is closer to $45,000 - $48,000 annually. That's approximately $3,750 - $4,000 per month before any personal expenses.

Now, factor in housing. The average 1BR rent is $2,252/month in Inglewood. This means a single agent earning the median would spend over 56% of their net monthly income on rent alone—a dangerously high ratio.

Can they afford to buy a home? The current median home price in Inglewood is approximately $750,000. For a 20% down payment, you'd need $150,000. On a $64,338 income, even with a good credit score, qualifying for a mortgage of $600,000 is a major stretch. Lenders typically want your total debt-to-income (DTI) ratio below 43%. A $600,000 loan at 7% would be roughly $4,000/month in principal and interest alone, plus taxes and insurance. This is generally unaffordable on a single median agent's income. Buying a home in Inglewood on a single median agent's salary is not feasible without a significant second income or substantial savings.

Where the Jobs Are: Inglewood's Major Employers

While real estate agents are technically self-employed, their ecosystem is built around local employers who drive housing demand. Knowing who's hiring and expanding tells you where your clients will come from.

1. SoFi Stadium & Hollywood Park: The undeniable economic engine. This isn't just a stadium; it's a year-round event complex hosting concerts, soccer, and major events. It draws a global audience and has spurred the development of adjacent office and retail space. Hiring Trend: Ongoing for event staff, security, and corporate roles, with long-term demand for hospitality and services. This means a steady stream of professionals moving in for jobs and investors buying rental properties.

2. Kaiser Permanente (Inglewood Medical Center): A major regional hospital and one of the area's largest stable employers. It draws doctors, nurses, and medical staff who need to live within a reasonable commute. Hiring Trend: Consistent and reliable. Healthcare jobs are recession-resistant, creating a steady demand for housing near the hospital.

3. Los Angeles County (County of Los Angeles): Inglewood is home to multiple county facilities, including the Inglewood Police Department, Public Works, and social services offices. Hiring Trend: Stable government employment with good benefits, attracting long-term residents who often look to buy homes in the area.

4. The Aerospace Corridor (Hawthorne & El Segundo): While not in Inglewood, it's a critical 10-15 minute commute. Companies like SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and Raytheon employ thousands of high-earning engineers and technicians. Hiring Trend: Strong growth, especially in aerospace and aerospace-adjacent tech. These employees often seek more affordable housing in Inglewood compared to Manhattan Beach or El Segundo, driving demand in the western neighborhoods.

5. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX): A 10-15 minute drive away. It's a massive employer for pilots, flight attendants, ground crew, and TSA agents. Many airport employees work non-traditional hours and value Inglewood's central location. Hiring Trend: Constant. As LAX continues its modernization, job opportunities remain steady.

6. Local Retail & Service Hubs: Centers like The Promenade at Howard Hughes Center (just over the border in Westchester) and Westfield Culver City are major retail employers. General retail, dining, and service jobs are plentiful and often filled by residents.

Insider Tip: Align your farming area with these employers. An agent who understands the shift patterns at LAX or the housing allowances for Kaiser staff has a distinct advantage. Create content about commuting options from Inglewood to these major job centers.

Getting Licensed in CA

Becoming a real estate agent in California is a regulated process with specific requirements. The California Department of Real Estate (DRE) is the governing body.

Requirements:

• Age & Residency: Be at least 18 years old and a legal resident of the U.S.
• Education: Complete three college-level courses (45 hours total) in Real Estate Principles, Practice, and a specialized course like Finance or Property Management. These are offered by accredited community colleges and private real estate schools.
• Exam: Pass the California Real Estate Salesperson Exam. The exam is administered by Pearson VUE.
• Background Check: Submit fingerprints and pass a background check.
• Application: Submit a complete application to the DRE, including proof of education and exam pass.

Costs (Approximate):

• Pre-Licensing Education: $150 - $400 (depending on the school and format, online is cheaper).
• Exam Fee: $60 (paid to Pearson VUE).
• Application Fee: $245 (paid to the DRE).
• Fingerprinting: $50 (approx.).
• Total Initial Cost: $505 - $755 (excluding books, study materials, and potential retake fees).

Timeline:

1. 1-3 Months: Complete the required education courses.
2. 1-2 Weeks: Schedule and study for the exam.
3. 1-2 Weeks: Take and pass the exam.
4. 4-8 Weeks: Submit application and wait for DRE processing (can vary).
5. Total Time to License: 3 to 6 months is a realistic timeline from start to finish.

Insider Tip: Many new agents affiliate with a brokerage before they pass the exam. A good broker can provide mentorship, which is invaluable in a complex market like Inglewood. Interview multiple brokerages—you are interviewing them as much as they are you.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you choose to live and work will define your career. Inglewood is not monolithic; each neighborhood has a distinct character, price point, and clientele.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Clientele	Average Rent (1BR)	Agent's Commute & Strategy
Morningside Park	Historic, tree-lined, stable. Older homeowners, multigenerational families. Strong community feel.	$2,400	Central location. Easy access to I-405 & I-105 for commutes to aerospace/LAX. Farm single-family homes.
Market Street / Downtown	Rapidly changing. New apartments, lofts, and retail. Attracts younger professionals and commercial investors.	$2,100	Walkable to SoFi Stadium events. Ideal for agents focusing on rentals, condos, and commercial mixed-use.
North Inglewood / Arbor Vitae	Residential, more affordable. Close to the I-405 corridor and the "Aerospace Corridor."	$1,900	Commuter's choice. Targets first-time buyers and high-income renters from aerospace/LAX.
West Inglewood (near Centinela)	Transitioning area, mix of older homes and new infill development.	$2,000	Potential for value-add properties. Closer to the coastal cities (Marina del Rey, Venice) for commutes.
South Inglewood (near Wiseburn)	Family-oriented, with access to the Wiseburn School District, which is highly rated.	$2,300	Strong for family buyers. Slightly further from major employers but great schools drive demand.

Insider Tip: As a new agent, you don't need to pick one neighborhood exclusively, but you should deeply understand 2-3. Attend community meetings, shop at local stores, and learn the school boundaries. Your expertise will be your marketing tool.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-Year Job Growth of 3% suggests that the market won't explode, but it will mature. Growth will come from specialization and adapting to market shifts.

Specialty Premiums:

• Multifamily Investment Specialist: Inglewood's zoning changes and stadium-driven demand make it a hotspot for small multifamily (duplexes, triplexes) investors. This niche commands higher fees.
• Relocation Specialist: With the influx of professionals to SoFi and nearby aerospace, there's a growing need for agents who specialize in relocation services for corporate transferees.
• Commercial Real Estate: With the Hollywood Park development and the revitalization of Market Street, commercial agents focusing on retail and office space have a growing, less saturated market.
• Probate and Trust Specialist: In older neighborhoods with long-term homeowners, there's steady demand from families dealing with inherited property.

Advancement Paths:

• Team Leader: Build a team to handle higher volume. Your income shifts from personal sales to team commissions.
• Brokerage Owner: After gaining experience as a managing broker, you can open your own shop, though this comes with significant overhead and regulatory responsibility.
• Real Estate Instructor: Leverage your local expertise to teach pre-licensing courses at a community college or real estate school.
• Property Management: Diversify income by managing rental units, especially for investors you've helped buy properties.

10-Year Outlook: The market will likely see continued appreciation but at a more moderate pace than the recent past. The key will be leveraging technology for marketing and lead generation while doubling down on hyper-local, in-person expertise. Agents who can navigate the complexities of financing for first-time buyers and understand investment metrics for multifamily properties will thrive.

The Verdict: Is Inglewood Right for You?

Pros	Cons
High Demand & Volume: Driven by major employers and stadium events, ensuring a steady stream of transactions.	High Cost of Living: The Cost of Living Index of 115.5 (US avg=100) means your income goes less far than in many parts of the country.
Market in Flux: Change creates opportunity. New developments and shifting demographics mean constant inventory and investment activity.	Competitive Market: With Jobs in Metro: 205, you're competing with experienced local agents and those from surrounding affluent cities.
Diverse Clientele: From first-time buyers and renters to investors and commercial clients, there's a wide range of potential customers.	Income Volatility: The median salary of $64,338 can mask long periods without a sale, especially for new agents.
Centrality: Excellent freeway access to LAX, DTLA, the South Bay, and the Westside.	Affordability Barrier: As noted, buying a home on a single agent's median salary is extremely difficult.
Cultural Richness: A deeply diverse community with a strong sense of identity, which can be a huge asset for agents who engage authentically.	Variable Neighborhoods: Not all areas are equally desirable; navigating the differences is critical and can be complex.

Final Recommendation:
Inglewood is a strong, viable market for a resilient, entrepreneurial real estate agent, but it is not an easy get-rich-quick scheme. It is best suited for:

• Agents with a second household income (e.g., a partner with a stable job) who can weather the initial slow period.
• Those with a background or deep connections in the local community (e.g., long-time residents, families with roots here).
• Entrepreneurs who see value in the long-term growth around the stadium corridor and are willing to specialize in a niche like rentals or multifamily.

If you're looking for a stable, high-volume market and are prepared to hustle, network relentlessly, and master the nuances of this evolving city, Inglewood can be a rewarding place to build a career. If you need a quick, high income to afford a coastal lifestyle, you may find the financial pressure too great.

FAQs

Q: I'm new to the area. How long will it take to build a client base?
A: Realistically, 12-18 months. Your first year will be heavily focused on lead generation through open houses, local networking, and digital marketing. Your second year should see referrals and repeat clients begin to build. Patience and consistent effort are non-negotiable.

Q: Should I join a big national brokerage or a local boutique firm in Inglewood?
A: It depends on your style. National firms (e.g., Keller Williams, Compass) offer brand recognition and tech tools, which can be helpful for newcomers. Local brokerages often provide deeper community connections and more hands-on, personal mentorship. Insider Tip: Interview at least three. Ask about their training programs, desk fees, and commission splits. A supportive local broker might be worth a lower split initially.

Q: How much does a car matter?
A: It's absolutely essential. Inglewood is spread out, and you'll be commuting to showings in neighboring cities (like Redondo Beach or Culver City) frequently. Budget for gas, insurance, and maintenance. A reliable car is your most important business tool after your phone.

Q: Are there opportunities in commercial real estate as a new agent?
A: It's a steeper climb. Commercial deals are more complex, have longer cycles, and require different financing knowledge. Most new agents start in residential sales to build capital and a network. However, you can begin learning now by connecting with commercial agents and seeking mentorship. The commercial market here is growing, but it's not typically a beginner's starting point.

Q: What's the single most important factor for success in Inglewood?
A: Hyper-local expertise. It's not enough to know the general market. You need to know which block is zoned for which school, which streets are on the county's repaving schedule, which neighborhood association is most active, and the long-term development plans for Hollywood Park. This depth of knowledge builds trust and makes you an indispensable advisor, not just a salesperson.