Real Estate Agent in Killeen, TX

The Salary Picture: Where Killeen Stands

As a local, I can tell you that real estate in Killeen isn't about making a quick buck; it's about understanding a community built around two things: Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and its ripple effect on the civilian economy. The median salary for a real estate agent here is $59,967/year, which breaks down to $28.83/hour. It’s crucial to understand that this number is an average, often skewed by the feast-or-famine nature of the job and the fact that many agents are part-time. Compared to the national average of $61,480, we're slightly below, which is common for more affordable markets, but the low cost of living more than compensates.

To get a clearer picture, let's break it down by experience level. Unlike salaried jobs, real estate income is heavily commission-based, so these figures represent typical annual earnings after expenses (like brokerage splits and marketing).

Experience Level	Typical Years in Real Estate	Estimated Annual Income	Key Characteristics
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$40,000 - $55,000	Building a client base, focusing on rentals and first-time buyers. High hustle, low initial return.
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$55,000 - $75,000	Established sphere of repeat clients, some referrals, competent in handling typical residential sales.
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$75,000 - $100,000+	Strong referral network, may specialize (e.g., military relocations), likely supervises junior agents or has a team.
Expert/Top Producer	15+ years	$100,000 - $150,000+	Dominant market share in a niche (e.g., luxury, commercial), high-profile client base, often a broker-owner or team lead.

Comparing to Other Texas Cities: Killeen exists in a unique position. It's not a major metro like Dallas or Austin, where agents can earn well over six figures but face intense competition and a very high cost of living. Compared to nearby Waco or Temple, Killeen’s salary is competitive, but the driving force is the volume of transactions fueled by the constant military PCS cycle. The market is less volatile than oil-dependent cities like Midland, providing a steadier, if less explosive, income stream.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's be real about the numbers. Based on the median income of $59,967, an agent's monthly take-home pay after federal taxes (assuming single, no dependents) is approximately $3,750/month. This is a pre-tax estimate; actual take-home will be lower after Texas's lack of state income tax but including self-employment taxes (which are significant for agents, around 15.3% on net profit).

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Killeen is $900/month. That's just 24% of your take-home, which is excellent news. Most financial advisors recommend keeping housing costs under 30% of income, so Killeen offers a significant advantage here.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for an Agent at $59,967:

• Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,750
• Rent (Avg. 1BR): $900
• Utilities (Electric, Water, Gas, Internet): $150 - $200
• Groceries: $300
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $400 (Essential in Killeen)
• Health Insurance: $350 (Varies widely; marketplace plans)
• Cell Phone: $50
• Professional Expenses: $200 (MLS fees, marketing, gas for showings)
• Misc. & Savings: $1,000 (This is where you build your emergency fund and save for taxes)

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, absolutely. The median home price in the Killeen metro area is around $240,000. With a 5% down payment ($12,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be approximately $1,500 - $1,600. This is about 40% of your take-home pay, which is tight but manageable, especially if you have a dual-income household. Many agents I know buy their first home within 2-3 years of starting, leveraging their knowledge of the market to find a good deal.

Where the Jobs Are: Killeen's Major Employers

While real estate agents are technically independent contractors, the health of the market is tied directly to the largest employers. There are an estimated 319 jobs in the real estate and rental market in the Killeen metro, with the 10-year job growth projected at 3%. This isn't explosive growth, but it's stable, mirroring the city's overall economic trajectory.

Here are the key drivers of the local economy that keep agents busy:

1. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood): This is the 800-pound gorilla. The largest U.S. Army post by population, it houses around 30,000 soldiers and their families. This creates a perpetual, high-turnover rental and sales market. Every PCS (Permanent Change of Station) season means a wave of people buying or selling. Insider Tip: Specializing in military relocations ("PCS Specialist") is a surefire way to build a sustainable business. Learning the nuances of VA loans is non-negotiable.

2. Carlisle Barracks (U.S. Army Installation in Killeen): While smaller than Cavazos, it still contributes to the secure federal employment base.

3. Killeen Independent School District (KISD): One of the largest employers in the region, with over 2,000 employees. Teacher and staff transfers create a steady demand for family housing.

4. Baylor Scott & White Medical Center: The largest healthcare provider in the region, with a major presence in Killeen and nearby Temple. Doctors, nurses, and administrative staff are a reliable source of home buyers, especially mid-level management.

5. Sprint (T-Mobile) Call Center: A massive facility that employs thousands in customer service and tech roles. This brings a diverse, younger demographic into the housing market, often as first-time buyers.

6. Local Government: The City of Killeen and Bell County are steady employers. Government employees often have stable jobs and seek reliable, family-oriented neighborhoods.

7. Retail & Hospitality Chains: While not top-tier employers, the presence of major distribution centers and retail chains (like the H-E-B distribution center) provides a blue-collar and service-sector employment base that fuels the rental market.

Getting Licensed in TX

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) oversees licensing. It's a straightforward but rigorous process.

Requirements:

1. Be 18 years of age.
2. Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
3. Complete 180 hours of approved pre-licensing education (in-person or online from a TREC-accredited school). This includes courses on real estate law, principles, and contracts.
4. Pass the state exam (national and state portions).
5. Submit fingerprints and a background check.
6. Activate your license with a sponsoring broker.

Costs:

• Pre-Licensing Course: $400 - $600 (varies by provider).
• Exam Fee: $43 (paid to the testing center, Pearson VUE).
• License Application Fee: $205 (paid to TREC).
• Background Check/Fingerprinting: $50 - $75.
• Total (Excluding Brokerage Fees): Approximately $700 - $925.

Timeline: You can complete the 180-hour course in as little as 3-4 weeks if you dedicate full-time effort. After passing the exam, your license can be active within a few days to a week. The entire process, from deciding to get licensed to being ready to work, can take 2 to 4 months. Insider Tip: Don't just pick the cheapest course. Choose one with a high pass rate and good reviews. Many local brokers offer mentorship programs after you get licensed, which is invaluable.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

As an agent, where you live affects your commute, your network, and your quality of life. Killeen is a sprawling city, and your choice of neighborhood matters.

• Killeen (Central/North): The heart of the city, closer to Fort Cavazos and major shopping (like Killeen Mall). Commute to the base is 10-20 minutes. Diverse housing stock, from older homes to newer subdivisions. Average 1BR Rent: $850 - $950.
• Harker Heights: Technically a separate city but part of the metro. It's considered more upscale, with better schools, more parks, and a slower pace. Popular with military officers and stable civilian professionals. Commute to base is 15-25 minutes. Average 1BR Rent: $950 - $1,100.
• Copperas Cove: A distinct town southwest of Killeen, with a strong community feel. It's a bit farther from the main commercial hubs of Killeen (20-30 minute commute) but offers larger lots and a small-town vibe. It's also close to the scenic hills. Average 1BR Rent: $800 - $950.
• Nolanville & Belton: Smaller towns on the outskirts. They offer a rural lifestyle with a longer commute to Killeen (25-40 minutes) but at a lower cost. Good for agents who want a quiet home base and don't mind driving. Average 1BR Rent: $750 - $900.
• Temple (South): Though a separate city, it's a key part of the healthcare corridor. Home to Baylor Scott & White's main campus. Commute to Killeen is 30-45 minutes, but the job market is robust. Better for an agent who might split time between markets. Average 1BR Rent: $900 - $1,100.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% indicates a stable, not booming, market. Growth here comes from specialization, not expansion.

Specialty Premiums:

• Military Relocation Professional (MRP) Certification: This is the gold standard. Understanding VA loans, military allowances, and the tight timelines of a PCS sets you apart. It can directly increase your commission volume by attracting a stream of dedicated clients.
• Property Management: With the high rental demand, managing properties for absentee owners (often deployed soldiers or investors) provides a steady, recurring income stream.
• Commercial/Industrial Real Estate: Killeen has a growing industrial sector. While harder to break into, it can be far more lucrative than residential sales. It requires different networking and a lot more capital.
• Luxury Market: While small, there is a luxury segment in Harker Heights and newer developments. It requires high-end marketing and a different client approach.

Advancement Paths: Most agents start solo. The natural progression is to join a team to learn quickly, then potentially become a team leader or broker. Another path is to become a broker-in-charge or open your own brokerage after gaining 2-3 years of experience. The key is to build a referral-based business, which is the only way to break out of the income volatility.

10-Year Outlook: The economy is tied to the Army. As long as Fort Cavazos remains a major post, the real estate market will have a baseline of demand. The diversification into healthcare and logistics is a positive sign. However, long-term growth is modest. Agents who adapt by embracing technology (virtual tours, digital marketing) and specializing in niches will outperform those using traditional methods.

The Verdict: Is Killeen Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living & Affordable Housing: Your paycheck goes much further.	Economic Dependence: Heavily reliant on Fort Cavazos; any major base reduction would be devastating.
Steady, Predictable Demand: The military cycle provides a reliable stream of clients.	Market Saturation: There are a lot of agents for the size of the market; competition is fierce.
Strong Rental Market: Great for agents focusing on property management or investor clients.	Limited "Prestige" or Luxury Market: Fewer multi-million dollar sales compared to Austin or Dallas.
Community Feel & Growth: The area is growing, with new businesses and developments.	Cultural & Recreational Options: Limited compared to major metros; you're driving to Austin or Waco for concerts/better dining.
Central Texas Location: Easy access to Austin (1.5 hrs), Waco (1 hr), and Temple.	Weather: Extremely hot summers, occasional severe storms.

Final Recommendation: Killeen is an excellent choice for a new real estate agent who is resilient, independent, and willing to hustle. It's a place where you can build a solid, sustainable career without the overwhelming financial pressure of a major metro. If you are a military spouse, a veteran, or have any connection to the military community, your potential for success is even higher. However, if you're seeking a fast-paced, glamorous, or ultra-lucrative market from day one, Killeen might feel too slow. For the right person—someone who values affordability, stability, and community—it's a market with real potential.

FAQs

1. Is the real estate market in Killeen really that dependent on the military?
Yes, absolutely. Roughly 40-50% of all transactions involve a military family or a soldier buying or selling. This creates predictable cycles. You must understand the military lifestyle and VA loan process to succeed here.

2. How much can a brand-new agent realistically expect to make in year one?
It's possible but challenging. Many new agents earn under $40,000 in their first year. The first 6-12 months are typically a "grind" period with little to no income as you build your pipeline. It's critical to have savings or another income source while you get started.

3. What's the biggest challenge for agents in Killeen?
Standing out. With 319 agents in the metro area, you need a clear niche (like military relocations or first-time buyers) and a strong online presence. The market is competitive, and clients have many options.

4. Are there opportunities beyond residential sales?
Yes. While residential is the backbone, there are opportunities in property management (due to the rental market), land sales (for new developments), and a small but growing commercial sector tied to logistics and healthcare expansion.

5. Do I need to know Spanish to be successful?
While not mandatory, it is a significant advantage. The Killeen area has a growing Hispanic population, and being able to communicate with these buyers and sellers can open up a substantial segment of the market.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC), Killeen Housing Authority, local MLS data, and on-the-ground market observation.