Real Estate Agent in Shreveport, LA

The Salary Picture: Where Shreveport Stands

If you're looking at a move to Shreveport for real estate, the first question is always: what's the pay? Let's be direct. The numbers tell a clear story, and it's one of affordability over affluence.

The median salary for a Real Estate Agent in Shreveport is $59,100 per year. This translates to a local hourly rate of $28.41. That's notably lower than the national average of $61,480, but this gap is misleading without context. The cost of living here is the great equalizer (more on that later).

This isn't a city where every agent is driving a new Mercedes. It's a market built on hustle, community relationships, and volume. The 10-year job growth is a modest 3%, with approximately 354 jobs in the metro area. This indicates a stable, mature market with limited expansion but consistent opportunity. You're not crashing a booming party; you're joining a seasoned community.

Here’s how salary typically breaks down by experience level in the Shreveport market:

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary Range
Entry-Level	0-2	$35,000 - $50,000
Mid-Level	3-7	$50,000 - $75,000
Senior	8-15	$75,000 - $120,000
Expert/Top Producer	15+	$120,000+ (Commission-based)

Insider Tip: Don't fixate on the median ($59,100) as a ceiling. The top 20% of agents in Shreveport easily clear six figures, but they are often specialists in specific niches (like commercial, luxury, or first-time buyers) and have deep roots in the community. The bottom 20% often struggle to make $30k and usually leave the industry within two years.

How does Shreveport compare to other Louisiana cities?

• Baton Rouge: Similar salary range ($60k-$62k), but higher cost of living and a more competitive college-town market.
• New Orleans: Median salary is closer to the national average ($63k-$65k), but the cost of living and intense competition can make it harder for new agents to get a foothold.
• Lafayette: Very comparable to Shreveport in both salary and cost of living, with a slightly stronger local economy due to the energy sector.

Shreveport offers a lower barrier to entry than New Orleans or Baton Rouge, making it a viable launchpad for new agents who are willing to build from the ground up.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

The salary number is just one piece. The real question is your purchasing power. Shreveport's low cost of living is its biggest selling point.

Let’s break down a monthly budget for a Real Estate Agent earning the median salary of $59,100. For this model, we'll assume a single filer with no dependents, using standard federal and state tax estimates (Louisiana has a progressive income tax).

• Gross Monthly Income: $4,925
• Estimated Taxes (Federal + State + FICA): ~$1,200/month
• Net Monthly Income: ~$3,725

Now, against Shreveport's average 1BR rent of $927/month:

Monthly Budget Category	Amount	Notes
Net Income	$3,725	After taxes
Rent (1BR Average)	$927	25% of net income
Utilities (Est.)	$200	Electricity, water, internet
Groceries & Essentials	$400
Transportation (Car Payment/Gas)	$400	Shreveport is car-dependent
Health Insurance	$300	Varies widely
Misc. & Savings	$1,498
Remaining after core expenses	$1,498

Can they afford to buy a home?
Absolutely. With $1,498 left after core expenses, saving for a down payment is feasible. The median home price in Shreveport is approximately $180,000. A 10% down payment is $18,000. At this savings rate, an agent could realistically save that amount in 1-2 years. A monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) on a $180,000 home would be roughly $1,100-$1,200, which is only slightly higher than the average rent. This makes homeownership a tangible goal for even entry-level agents.

Insider Tip: Many successful local agents do live in Shreveport, but a significant portion commutes from more affordable suburbs like Bossier City (across the Red River) or even Minden (20 minutes east) for lower housing costs and quieter living. The commute into Shreveport proper is easy via I-20 and I-49.

Where the Jobs Are: Shreveport's Major Employers

While you'll be working independently, your clients will be employed by the city's major economic drivers. Understanding these employers is key to networking and targeting your marketing.

1. Bossier Parish Community College & LSUS: The presence of Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS) and Bossier Parish Community College (BPCC) creates a steady stream of faculty, staff, and students looking for housing. LSUS, in particular, is a major employer with over 1,000 employees.
2. Willis-Knighton Health System: The largest private employer in the region, with multiple hospitals and clinics. This system alone employs over 7,000 people. Medical professionals are a classic, stable client base for real estate agents.
3. Christus Health (Shreveport & Bossier): Another massive healthcare provider, with Christus Health Shreveport-Bossier being a major regional hospital. The healthcare sector is the backbone of Shreveport's economy.
4. Barksdale Air Force Base: Located in Bossier City, Barksdale is one of the largest Air Force bases in the country, home to the 2nd Bomb Wing. This means a constant rotation of military personnel and their families, creating a robust rental and resale market. Insider Tip: Agents with experience handling VA loans have a huge advantage here.
5. Amazon Fulfillment Center (Bossier City): The massive Amazon facility on I-20 is a huge employer, bringing in hundreds of warehouse and management jobs. This has increased demand for affordable housing in the Bossier City area.
6. City of Shreveport & Caddo Parish Government: As the parish and municipal governments are major employers, their employees (teachers, administrators, public safety) form a significant portion of the local home-buying pool.
7. Emirates Airline (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul): While not a direct employer for most, the MRO facility at Shreveport Regional Airport is a key part of the local aerospace sector and a point of pride and economic discussion.

Hiring Trends: New construction is steady, especially in the South Shreveport corridor and Bossier City. The rental market remains strong due to the military presence and Amazon jobs. The luxury market is small but exists, concentrated in South Highland, Spring Lake, and the Bossier City side of the river.

Getting Licensed in LA

Louisiana's licensing process is straightforward but has specific requirements. You must go through the Louisiana Real Estate Commission (LREC).

Requirements and Costs:

1. Pre-Licensing Education: 90 hours of approved courses (Salesperson). This can be done online or in-person through providers like The CE Shop, Kaplan, or local schools.
   • Cost: $400 - $600 for the course package.
2. State Exam: After completing coursework, you must pass the Louisiana state exam.
   • Exam Fee: $70 (paid to Pearson VUE).
3. Background Check: Required for all applicants.
   • Fee: $50 (paid to LREC).
4. License Application: Once you pass the exam, you apply for your license.
   • Application Fee: $145 (paid to LREC).
5. Post-Licensing Education: You must complete 45 hours of post-license education within the first 12 months after licensure.
   • Cost: $200 - $300 (often included in broker packages).

Total Estimated Startup Cost: $865 - $1,165 (excluding any optional continuing education or business cards).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Weeks 1-6: Complete your 90-hour pre-licensing course.
• Week 7: Schedule and pass the state exam.
• Week 8: Submit your application and background check to LREC.
• Week 10-12: Receive your license (can be faster if you're a US citizen with a clean record).
• Months 4-12: Complete your post-license education and affiliate with a broker.

Total realistic timeline: 3 to 4 months from start to being fully licensed and active.

Insider Tip: You must affiliate with a broker immediately. You cannot practice independently. Interview multiple brokerages in Shreveport. The "big box" brokerages (like Keller Williams, RE/MAX) offer training, but local boutique firms often have better mentorship and a more personal feel. Ask about their split, desk fees, and training programs.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live affects your commute, your lifestyle, and your market focus. Here’s a breakdown:

Neighborhood/Area	Vibe & Lifestyle	Avg. 1BR Rent	Commute to Downtown
South Highland	Historic, walkable, near LSU. Mixed student/professional. High demand for rentals.	$850 - $1,100	10-15 min
South Shreveport (Shady Grove, Stoner Hill)	Suburban, newer homes, great schools. Family-focused. Steady resale market.	$950 - $1,250	15-20 min
Bossier City (East of I-20)	Growing, new construction, near Barksdale AFB. Strong rental and first-time buyer market.	$875 - $1,150	20-25 min
Downtown/Shreveport Common	Urban, revitalizing, lofts. Niche market. Not for everyone, but growing.	$1,000 - $1,400	5 min (walk/bike)
Caddo Heights / Mooretown	Older, affordable, central. Can be a good "flip" or investment property area.	$750 - $950	10-15 min

Insider Tip: If you're new and want to build volume quickly, living in Bossier City or South Shreveport puts you in the heart of the most active markets. If you want to target the academic or historic market, South Highland is ideal. Downtown is best for agents who plan to specialize in loft conversions and urban living.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Shreveport is not a "get rich quick" market, but it's an excellent place for sustainable growth. The 10-year outlook is stable, not explosive.

Specialty Premiums:

• Luxury Market: Limited but exists. Focus on South Highland, South Shreveport, and the Bossier City riverfront. Agents here can earn 1.5-2x the median.
• First-Time Buyer Programs: Shreveport has access to various Louisiana Housing Corporation programs. Being an expert here is a huge niche.
• Commercial/Property Management: This is a tougher but more lucrative field. With the airport, medical centers, and retail corridors, there's opportunity. It often requires additional certification.
• Military Relocation Specialist: With Barksdale AFB, this is a solid, consistent niche. You'll need to understand VA loans and military relocation packets.

Advancement Paths:

1. Team Leader: Join a team, learn, then build your own team. This is the most common path to scaling income.
2. Brokerage Owner: After years of experience, you can open your own brokerage, but it requires capital and a deep understanding of the market.
3. Instructor: With experience, you can teach pre-licensing courses at local colleges or schools, providing a stable income stream.
4. Relocation Specialist: Work with companies like Christus or Barksdale to handle corporate relocations, which can be a steady source of leads.

10-Year Outlook: The market will likely see gradual appreciation. The key will be adapting to technology and continuing to provide high-touch, personal service—the Shreveport way. The growth in healthcare and maintenance sectors (like the MRO) may create new housing demands in specific areas.

The Verdict: Is Shreveport Right for You?

This isn't a city of glitz and glamour. It's a city of grit and relationship-building. If you're looking for a fast-paced, ultra-competitive market like Miami or Austin, look elsewhere. If you want a market where you can actually afford to live, build a life, and become a respected part of the community, Shreveport is a strong contender.

Pros	Cons
Very Low Cost of Living: Your $59,100 goes much further than in most US cities.	Lower Median Salary: You'll work harder for your commission than in higher-cost cities.
Stable, Predictable Market: No wild boom-and-bust cycles. 3% growth is safe.	Slower Growth: Limited economic expansion means fewer new housing starts.
Strong Niche Opportunities: Military, healthcare, first-time buyers.	Car Dependency: You will need a reliable vehicle. Public transit is limited.
Community-Focused: Relationships matter more than any other place.	Limited High-End Market: Luxury buyers are a small, tight-knit group.
Easy Market Entry: Less saturated than Baton Rouge or New Orleans.	Economic Headwinds: The city faces challenges with poverty rates and population stability.

Final Recommendation:
Shreveport is an ideal city for new real estate agents who are patient, hard-working, and value community over flash. It's also a great fit for experienced agents from higher-cost cities looking to stretch their savings and buy a home while maintaining a solid income. If you're a self-starter who can build a network through local events, churches, and community groups, you can thrive here. Avoid it if you need a fast-paced, high-volume luxury market or have an aversion to Southern humidity and bugs.

FAQs

1. Is the real estate market in Shreveport saturated?
Not in the traditional sense. While there are many agents (354 in the metro), the majority are not full-time professionals. The competition is for clients, not just for licenses. A dedicated, full-time agent who provides excellent service can stand out quickly. The 3% job growth isn't explosive, but it means there's room for new players who are serious.

2. Do I need a car to be a real estate agent here?
Yes, absolutely. Shreveport is spread out, and you will be driving clients to viewings across the city and to Bossier. Public transportation is not a viable option for a real estate professional. Budget for a reliable vehicle and gas.

3. What's the biggest challenge for new agents in Shreveport?
Generating consistent leads without a massive marketing budget. The most successful new agents here often start by focusing on a specific niche (e.g., first-time buyers in a particular neighborhood) and become the go-to person for that area. Cold calling and open houses are still very effective methods in this market.

4. Can I work part-time as a real estate agent in Shreveport?
You can legally, but it's very difficult to succeed. Real estate is a 24/7 business, especially in a market where responsiveness is key. Most part-time agents struggle to close more than 1-2 deals a year. To reach the median salary of $59,100, full-time commitment is usually necessary, especially in the first 2-3 years.

5. How important is local knowledge?
Critical. Shreveporters have deep roots and are loyal to people they trust. Knowing which side of I-49 has better flooding, which schools are in which district (even if they're not highly rated), and where the best po-boys are sold (for client lunches) builds the rapport that closes deals. You can't fake being a local here.