Real Estate Agent Career Guide: Layton, UT

Layton isn't just another suburb of Salt Lake City. It’s a self-contained hub in Davis County with a distinct identity, a strong military connection to Hill Air Force Base, and a housing market that’s been steadily heating up for years. As a career analyst who’s watched this market evolve, I can tell you that Layton offers a solid foundation for real estate agents, especially those who value a family-friendly environment and a more manageable pace than the downtown SLC chaos. But it’s not without its challenges. This guide breaks down the real numbers, the local players, and the day-to-day reality of being an agent here.

The Salary Picture: Where Layton Stands

The financial reality for a real estate agent is notoriously variable, but we can use state and national data to create a reliable baseline. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and state licensing board data, the median salary for a Real Estate Agent in Utah is $60,576 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.12 per hour. This places you just slightly below the national average of $61,480 per year.

In the Layton metro area, which is part of the larger Ogden-Clearfield metro, the job market is tight. There are approximately 167 real estate agent jobs in the metro, with a 10-year job growth projection of 3%. This signals stability rather than explosive growth, meaning you’ll need to be strategic and persistent to capture your share of the market.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Layton
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $55,000	Heavy reliance on broker mentorship, lead generation from personal networks. Focus on rentals and first-time buyers.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$60,000 - $85,000	Established client base, some repeat business. Competent with military relocation processes (Hill AFB is a major factor).
Senior-Level (6-10 years)	$85,000 - $120,000+	Strong referral network, specialization in specific neighborhoods or property types (e.g., new construction).
Expert/Broker-Owner (10+ years)	$120,000 - $200,000+	Runs a team, manages brokerages, deep ties to local developers and commercial real estate.

Insider Tip: The median salary of $60,576 is a realistic midpoint, but it hides the feast-or-famine nature of commission-based income. Agents in Layton who specialize in serving Hill AFB personnel—a demographic with guaranteed relocation cycles—often build a more predictable income stream than those who rely solely on the open market.

How Layton Compares to Other Utah Cities:

• Salt Lake City: Higher earning potential (median closer to $70,000+) but significantly higher cost of living and fierce competition from hundreds of agents.
• Provo/Orem: Similar median salary to Layton but dominated by a younger, tech-focused demographic and the influence of BYU.
• St. George: Lower median salary (often $55,000-$65,000) but with an older, retirement-focused market and a very different seasonal rhythm.
• Ogden: Very similar to Layton in salary and market dynamics, but with a grittier, more historic urban core. Layton is generally perceived as more family-oriented.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get brutally practical. With a gross annual salary of $60,576, your take-home pay after federal taxes, FICA, and Utah state income tax (5.0%) is approximately $47,000 to $49,000 annually, or $3,900 - $4,100 per month.

Layton’s cost of living is a major draw. The index is 95.1, meaning it’s about 5% cheaper than the national average. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $1,283 per month.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an agent earning the median salary:

Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Housing (1BR Rent)	$1,283	This is the citywide average. Can be lower in Central Layton or higher in areas like East Layton.
Utilities	$200	Includes electricity, gas, water, and internet. Utah has relatively low energy costs.
Car Payment & Insurance	$500	Essential in Layton. You need reliable transportation to show homes across Davis County.
Groceries & Household	$400	A reasonable budget for one person.
Health Insurance	$300	This is a critical, often overlooked cost for self-employed agents.
Taxes & Business Expenses	$500	Covers quarterly estimated taxes, MLS fees, E&O insurance, marketing, and gas.
Discretionary/Savings	$200 - $400	This is the variable. In a slow month, this could be near zero.

Can you afford to buy a home? The median home price in Layton is around $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $2,200 - $2,400. This is manageable on a $60,576 salary if you have a stable partner or dual income. As a single agent, especially in your first few years, buying a home in Layton while building your business is a significant financial stretch. Most agents I know start by renting and build their savings before jumping into homeownership.

Where the Jobs Are: Layton's Major Employers

While real estate agents are technically independent contractors, the "jobs" refer to the sources of clients and the ecosystem that supports the housing market. Layton’s economy is anchored by a few key sectors.

1. Hill Air Force Base: This is the 800-pound gorilla in the room. It’s a massive employer, with tens of thousands of civilian and military personnel. Hiring Trend: Stable to increasing. The base is a primary driver for the rental and resale market. Agents who understand military relocation (PCS moves) have a built-in, recurring client base. Get familiar with the base's housing office and the local military relocation professionals (MRP) network.

2. Intermountain Layton Hospital: A major healthcare provider and one of the largest employers in the county. Hiring Trend: Steady growth. Healthcare workers are stable, well-paid clients who often look for homes near the hospital. There’s a cluster of newer housing developments in the 200 West/South Layton area catering to this demographic.

3. Davis School District: One of the largest school districts in Utah. While teachers aren't high earners, the district is a massive employer, and family-oriented neighborhoods are a key market. Hiring Trend: Consistent. The quality of local schools (e.g., Clearfield High, Layton High) is a primary driver for homebuyers.

4. Northrop Grumman (at Hill AFB): A major defense contractor with a significant presence. Hiring Trend: Strong. These are high-wage earners with relocation packages, making them ideal clients for mid-to-high-end home purchases.

5. Retail & Service Corridors: The US-89 (I-15) corridor, especially around the Layton Hills Mall area and the新兴 commercial areas in East Layton, employs thousands in retail, hospitality, and food service. Hiring Trend: Stable but with high turnover. This represents the entry-level rental and starter-home market.

Getting Licensed in Utah

The process is straightforward but requires an upfront investment of time and money.

1. Education: You must complete 120 hours of pre-licensing education from an accredited Utah Real Estate School. This can be done online or in-person. Cost: $400 - $700.
2. Examination: After completing your course, you must pass the Utah Real Estate Sales Agent Exam. The state exam fee is $59.
3. Background Check: A fingerprint-based background check is required. Cost: $65 - $100.
4. Application & Fees: Submit your application to the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL). The license application fee is $152.
5. Affiliation: You must be affiliated with a licensed real estate broker to practice. You cannot operate independently as a new agent.

Total Estimated Startup Cost: $650 - $1,050
Timeline: From start to holding your license, expect 3-4 months if you study consistently. The exam is known to be challenging; don't underestimate it.

Insider Tip: Choose a broker in Layton who has a strong mentorship program and is active in the Davis County Association of Realtors (DCAR). A good broker will provide leads, training, and a support network that’s invaluable when you’re starting out.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Knowing where to live and focus your business is critical. Here’s a breakdown:

1. East Layton (East of US-89/I-15): This is the most affluent area, with homes from the $500,000s to over $1 million. It’s characterized by newer construction, larger lots, and top-rated schools. Commute: Easy access to I-15 for trips to Salt Lake or Ogden. Rent Estimate: $1,500 - $2,000/month for a 1BR or 2BR apartment. Why live here: You’ll be immersed in the high-end market you want to serve. The lifestyle is quiet, suburban, and family-centric.

2. Central Layton (Near Layton Hills Mall & 200 W): The original heart of the city. Mix of older, well-kept homes and some new infill development. More affordable than East Layton. Commute: Very central; everything is within a 5-10 minute drive. Rent Estimate: $1,100 - $1,400/month for a 1BR. Why live here: Central location, lower cost of living, and you’re in the middle of the action. Good for agents focused on first-time buyers and the mid-market.

3. South Layton/Syracuse Area (South of 200 S): Borders the town of Syracuse. Features a mix of older homes and newer subdivisions. Close to the Davis Conference Center and Intermountain Layton Hospital. Commute: Easy access to I-15 via 200 S or 500 S. Rent Estimate: $1,200 - $1,500/month. Why live here: A strong rental market and a great pipeline of healthcare and hospital-related clients. A solid, balanced choice.

4. Clearfield Area (North Layton): Technically its own city but part of the Layton metro. Home to a significant portion of the Hill AFB population. More military-friendly rentals and starter homes. Commute: Very close to the base. Rent Estimate: $1,000 - $1,300/month. Why live here: If you’re targeting military clients, living here puts you on their home turf. The market is active and the pace is fast.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 10-year job growth of 3% means the market won’t expand dramatically. Growth will come from specialization and market share capture.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Military Relocation Professional (MRP): This certification is gold in Layton. It signals you understand VA loans, PCS timelines, and base housing. Agents with MRP often command a slight premium in referral networks.
  • New Construction: With ongoing development in East and South Layton, forming relationships with builders like Richmond American or D.R. Horton can provide a steady stream of clients.
  • Luxury Market: The high-end homes in East Layton and adjacent Kaysville require a different marketing strategy and network. This is where top agents make the real money.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Solo Agent to Team Leader: After 5+ years, you can hire an assistant and an admin, then add buyer's agents. This scales your income beyond your personal capacity.
  2. Brokerage Ownership: With 10+ years of experience and a strong book of business, you can open your own brokerage. This is a significant step with high overhead but the highest earning potential.
  3. Commercial Real Estate: Some residential agents transition to commercial, focusing on Layton’s growing retail and light industrial corridors. This requires additional licensing.

10-Year Outlook: Layton’s housing demand will remain steady, driven by Hill AFB and its status as a family-friendly community. The biggest challenge will be the entry of more agents into a market with limited growth. Success will belong to those who build deep community ties, specialize, and leverage technology to work efficiently.

The Verdict: Is Layton Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable Market: Driven by a major employer (Hill AFB) and family demand.	High Competition: Many agents are vying for a finite number of clients in a 3% growth market.
Affordable Cost of Living: 95.1 index means your $60,576 salary stretches further.	Slower Appreciation: Compared to Salt Lake City, home value growth is more moderate.
Strong Community Vibe: Easy to build a network and become a local "face."	Limited Luxury Market: The high-end is concentrated and requires significant effort to penetrate.
Good Work-Life Balance: Less hectic than urban centers, family-friendly environment.	Dependence on a Single Sector: A downturn at Hill AFB would ripple through the entire housing market.
Proximity to Outdoors: Easy access to the Wasatch Mountains, Antelope Island, and Great Salt Lake.	Limited Nightlife/Urban Culture: If you crave a bustling downtown scene, this isn’t it.

Final Recommendation: Layton is an excellent choice for a real estate agent who values stability, community, and a manageable cost of living. It’s ideal for those with a family or who are looking to build a long-term career in one place. It’s less ideal for an agent seeking rapid, explosive income growth or who is solely motivated by the high-stakes, high-reward of a major urban center. If you’re willing to specialize (especially in military relocation) and build a reputation over years, Layton offers a sustainable and rewarding career path.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to be a real estate agent in Layton?
A: Absolutely. Layton is a car-dependent city. You will be driving to showings, client meetings, and open houses spread across Davis County. Public transit is not a viable option for a professional agent.

Q: How important is it to join the Davis County Association of Realtors (DCAR)?
A: It’s essential. DCAR provides the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), which is the lifeblood of your business. It also offers networking events, continuing education, and advocacy. You cannot effectively practice without MLS access.

Q: Can I make a living focusing only on rentals?
A: It’s possible but challenging. The median salary of $60,576 is hard to hit on rental commissions alone, as they are typically one month’s rent or a small fee. You need a high volume of transactions. This can work well in the military market (Hill AFB has a high rental turnover) but is less stable than helping clients buy and sell.

Q: What’s the best way to get started without an existing network?
A: Leverage the Hill AFB community. Attend base events, connect with military spouse groups on social media, and get your MRP certification immediately. Also, partner with a top local mortgage lender (e.g., someone familiar with VA loans) for client referrals.

Q: How does the housing inventory in Layton affect a new agent?
A: Inventory is tight, especially for homes under $400,000. This creates a competitive buyer’s market. As a new agent, you need to be exceptionally responsive and skilled at writing compelling offers. Your value is in navigating multiple-offer situations and managing client expectations in a competitive environment.