The Complete Career Guide for Real Estate Agents in Round Rock, TX

As a career analyst who’s watched the Texas market for over a decade, I can tell you that Round Rock isn’t just another Austin suburb—it’s a distinct economic engine with its own personality. For real estate agents considering a move here, the landscape is promising but nuanced. Let’s cut through the noise with hard data, local insights, and a clear-eyed view of what it takes to build a career here.

The Salary Picture: Where Round Rock Stands

When you’re evaluating a market, salary is your starting point. For real estate agents, income is heavily commission-based, but the median figures give us a baseline for the local economy’s health. In Round Rock, the median salary for real estate agents is $61,037 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.34/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $61,480/year, but that tells only part of the story. The local cost of living (97.6, US avg = 100) helps stretch those dollars further than in many metro areas.

Here’s how experience level typically translates to income in this market:

Experience Level	Typical Yearly Commission Range	Key Factors in Round Rock
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$40,000 - $70,000	Reliant on broker leads, first-time buyer programs, and building a network from scratch.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$70,000 - $120,000	Established client base, repeat business, and specialization in specific neighborhoods.
Senior-Level (8-15 years)	$120,000 - $200,000+	Referral networks dominate, often handling higher-end properties in neighborhoods like Teravista.
Expert (15+ years)	$200,000+	Market expert status, likely a team leader or broker-owner, with deep ties to local institutions.

Insider Tip: The top performers in Round Rock often have a niche. Focusing on the military relocation market (due to proximity to Fort Cavazos) or first-time buyers using Texas-specific programs like TSAHC can be a game-changer. The 10-year job growth of 3% is modest, meaning you’re not walking into a gold rush, but you’re also not competing in an oversaturated frenzy like in some major metros.

Comparison to Other Texas Cities:

• Austin: Higher income potential (median closer to $75,000) but drastically higher cost of living.
• San Antonio: Lower median salary (around $55,000) but more affordable housing.
• Dallas: Similar income but a more competitive, sprawling market.
  Round Rock offers a sweet spot: Austin’s economic gravity without the punishing price tag.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The median salary of $61,037/year sounds solid, but let’s get real about monthly cash flow. We’ll use standard Texas tax estimates (no state income tax, but federal and FICA apply) and the local rent data.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Single Agent:

• Gross Monthly Income: ~$5,086
• Taxes (Fed + FICA est. 22%): ~$1,119
• Take-Home Pay: ~$3,967
• Rent (1BR average): $1,635
• Remaining for Expenses/Savings: ~$2,332

This leaves a reasonable buffer for all other costs—car, insurance, marketing, health insurance (a major factor for self-employed agents), and savings. However, the math gets tight if you’re supporting a family or have significant student debt.

Can They Afford to Buy a Home?
With the median home price in Round Rock hovering around $450,000, a 20% down payment is $90,000. On a $61,037/year salary, saving that is a multi-year project. However, many agents successfully buy using FHA loans (3.5% down) or VA loans (0% down for qualifying veterans). The key is budgeting from day one. If you’re disciplined, you can transition from renting ($1,635/month) to a mortgage payment (PITI) of around $2,200-$2,400 on a $350,000 home with a low down payment. The local market’s stability—thanks to major employers—makes homeownership a realistic goal within 2-3 years for many agents.

Where the Jobs Are: Round Rock's Major Employers

While most agents are independent contractors, the local economy fuels housing demand. Understanding the major employers helps you target your marketing and understand client needs. The metro area has 263 jobs directly related to real estate, but the broader job market is what drives transactions.

1. Round Rock Independent School District (RRISD): One of the largest employers in the region. Stable, family-oriented community with constant churn due to teacher transfers. Great for targeting first-time buyers and family homes.
2. Dell Technologies: The global headquarters is here. High-income tech professionals, often relocating from other states, drive demand for mid-to-high-end homes. Dell’s presence stabilizes the market during tech downturns.
3. Ascension Seton Williamson: The major hospital system. Healthcare professionals are steady buyers, often with reliable incomes. They value proximity to work and good school districts.
4. Texas State University (Round Rock Campus): Growing student population and faculty/staff needs. Creates rental market opportunities and starter-home demand.
5. Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood): While the base is in Killeen, it’s a 45-minute drive and a huge driver of the local housing market. Military relocations are a constant source of business for agents who get certified in military relocation (MRP).
6. Amazon Fulfillment Center: The massive facility on I-35 has drawn a wave of warehouse and logistics workers. This has increased demand for affordable single-family homes and townhomes in southern parts of the city.
7. H-E-B: The grocery giant’s corporate offices and distribution centers in the region provide thousands of jobs. H-E-B employees are a key buyer demographic.

Hiring Trends: Dell and the hospital system are consistently hiring. The growth of Texas State’s Round Rock campus is a long-term trend. The military presence is a permanent fixture. For an agent, this means a diversified client base—you’re not reliant on one industry.

Getting Licensed in Texas

The Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC) oversees licensing. It’s a straightforward process but requires commitment.

Step-by-Step Requirements:

1. Education: Complete 180 hours of pre-licensing education from a TREC-approved school. This includes 60 hours each in Real Estate Principles, Law of Agency, and Law of Contracts.
2. Exam: Pass the state licensing exam. The fee is $43 for the exam and $20 for a finger-printing/background check.
3. Sponsorship: You must be sponsored by a licensed Texas broker. This is your most important career decision.
4. Application: Submit your application, exam scores, and fees to TREC. Total initial licensure cost is approximately $300-$400 (including education, exam, application, and background checks).

Timeline: From starting your education to holding your license typically takes 3-5 months. Education can be done online at your own pace. The exam pass rate is around 70%, so studying diligently is key.

Insider Tip: Don’t just pick the cheapest online course. Look for programs with strong pass rates and, more importantly, those that offer local market context. A course based in Houston won’t teach you about Williamson County property taxes.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live affects your commute, your networking opportunities, and your perception of the market.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Why It’s Good for an Agent
Teravista	Upscale, master-planned golf community. 20-25 min to Dell.	$1,800+	You’ll live among your high-end clientele. Perfect for building a referral base in a luxury niche.
Chandler Creek	Family-centric, established, great schools. 15-20 min to most jobs.	$1,550	Immersed in the core family demographic. Easy to network at school events and local parks.
Brushy Creek	Mix of older and newer homes, very active community. 20 min to Austin.	$1,600	Diverse housing stock means you understand all price points. Strong HOA community for networking.
Palmera Ridge	Newer, master-planned by Hillwood. Close to I-35. 10-15 min to Dell.	$1,750	Living in a new development gives you firsthand knowledge of new construction sales—a key niche.
Downtown Round Rock	Urban, walkable, growing nightlife. 5-10 min to everything.	$1,900	Ideal for agents focusing on condos, townhomes, and walkable living for young professionals.

Commute Insight: Traffic on I-35 is the main challenge. Living north of the river (e.g., Teravista, Palmera Ridge) can ease commutes to Dell and northern employers. Living south (e.g., near Texas State) puts you closer to Austin for that market.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The 3% 10-year job growth suggests a stable, not explosive, market. Your growth will come from specialization and reputation.

Specialty Premiums:

• Military Relocation Professional (MRP): Critical for the Fort Cavazos market. Certification from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) can immediately set you apart.
• Certified Residential Specialist (CRS): The highest credential in residential sales. It signals expertise and can justify higher commission splits.
• Accredited Buyer’s Representative (ABR): Perfect for the first-time buyer wave coming from Texas State and local employers.
• Luxury Home Specialist: Focused on neighborhoods like Teravista and parts of Georgetown. Requires higher marketing budgets but offers larger commissions.

Advancement Paths:

1. Team Joining: Start with a team at a major brokerage (e.g., Keller Williams, RE/MAX, Compass) to get leads and mentorship.
2. Solo Practice: Build your brand and go independent after 2-3 years.
3. Broker-Owner: The ultimate goal for some. You’ll need capital and deep market knowledge.
4. Niche Market Leader: Become the go-to expert for a specific property type (e.g., land sales, ranch properties in the Hill Country).

10-Year Outlook: The market is tied to Austin’s growth. As Austin becomes increasingly expensive, Round Rock (and Georgetown, to the north) will absorb more of its overflow. Agents who establish themselves now will be well-positioned for this long-term trend. However, competition will increase as more agents move to the market. Your personal brand will be your most valuable asset.

The Verdict: Is Round Rock Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Stable, Diversified Economy (Dell, Hospital, Military)	Competition is increasing from Austin-based agents.
Affordable Living (vs. Austin) with strong school districts	Traffic on I-35 can be a daily challenge.
Path to Homeownership is realistic for agents	Income Growth can be slower than in a booming market.
Strong Community Vibe fosters client loyalty	Market is Maturing – fewer "easy" deals than a decade ago.
Proximity to Austin without the price tag	Property Taxes in Texas are high; factor this into client advice.

Final Recommendation:
Round Rock is an excellent choice for agents who value stability, community, and a manageable cost of living. It’s not the place for an agent seeking overnight riches in a speculative frenzy. It’s for the professional who wants to build a sustainable, referral-based business over years. If you’re willing to specialize (especially in military or first-time buyers), network relentlessly, and provide exceptional service, you can build a very comfortable career here. The data shows a market that rewards consistency and local knowledge.

FAQs

1. Is Round Rock a buyer’s or seller’s market right now?
Round Rock has been a balanced market recently, leaning slightly toward buyers as inventory has increased. However, well-priced homes in good school districts still move quickly. As an agent, you’ll need to be skilled in pricing strategy and managing buyer/seller expectations.

2. How do I break into the market as a new agent?
Start by joining a strong local brokerage with robust training. Focus on one or two neighborhoods to become the local expert. Leverage personal networks and volunteer in community events. The first 6-12 months are about building visibility, not maximizing income.

3. What’s the biggest challenge for agents here?
Two things: 1) Managing client expectations about the Austin-dominated media narrative (Round Rock isn’t Austin), and 2) The competitive nature of lead generation. You must be proactive and tech-savvy. Relying on open houses alone won’t cut it.

4. How important is it to be licensed in Austin as well?
Not essential. The markets are distinct, and clients prefer agents with deep local knowledge. However, if you live in Round Rock and your territory expands south into Austin proper, getting an Austin MLS access can be beneficial. For most, mastering Williamson County is more valuable.

5. What’s a typical commission split for a new agent?
In the Round Rock area, new agents can expect splits of 60/40 to 70/30 (agent/broker) at most large firms. As you produce more, you can negotiate better splits. Some brokerages offer 100% commission with a monthly desk fee, but that’s better suited for experienced agents.