Real Estate Agent in Wichita, KS

The Salary Picture: Where Wichita Stands

As a local who’s watched the Wichita real estate market for over a decade, I can tell you the numbers tell a clear story. It’s a stable, mid-sized market that won’t make you rich overnight, but offers a solid, sustainable living if you know how to work it.

First, let’s get the national context out of the way. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national average salary for Real Estate Agents is $61,480/year. Wichita sits just a hair below that, with a median salary of $59,543/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $28.63. This is for the metro area, which includes Sedgwick, Butler, and Sumner counties.

However, the "median" is a tricky beast in real estate. It’s a game of volume. The 10-year job growth for the metro is only 3%, which is modest. There are 792 jobs in the metro area for this role. This isn't a boomtown market; it's a steady, relationship-driven one. Your income is directly tied to your hustle, your network, and your knowledge of local quirks—like which side of 21st Street gets better cell service or why a home in College Hill might sell for a premium over one in Eastborough, despite similar specs.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn based on experience in this specific market. These aren't official BLS categories but are based on local brokerages and agent performance data.

Experience Level	Typical Annual Income (Wichita)	Key Factors in Wichita
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$35,000 - $50,000	Heavily reliant on broker leads, open houses, and building a sphere of influence. Expect long hours for low initial volume.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$60,000 - $85,000	Strong referral base established. Can handle transactions independently. Often starts to specialize (e.g., first-time buyers in Derby).
Senior (8-15 years)	$85,000 - $120,000+	High-volume producer. Deep ties with local lenders, inspectors, and builders. May mentor newer agents.
Expert (15+ years)	$120,000 - $200,000+	Often a team leader or broker-owner. Focuses on luxury, commercial, or farm/land properties. Market knowledge is encyclopedic.

Compared to other Kansas cities:

• Kansas City has a larger, more dynamic market with a higher national average of $61,480, but also a higher cost of living. Top agents in KC can earn significantly more, but the competition is fiercer.
• Topeka has a smaller market and typically lower median salaries (often in the $50,000 - $55,000 range) due to less transaction volume.
• Manhattan (home to K-State) has a volatile, cyclical market driven by university activity, with incomes swinging wildly between academic sessions.

Wichita is the Goldilocks of Kansas real estate: not too big, not too small, with a diverse economy that buffers against the worst of national downturns.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s talk real numbers. For an agent earning the median salary of $59,543, your take-home pay in Kansas will be affected by federal taxes, state income tax (which is a flat 5.7%), and FICA. A rough estimate puts your monthly take-home pay around $3,800 - $4,000.

Now, let’s build a monthly budget. The average 1BR rent in Wichita is $774/month. This is a huge advantage. The Cost of Living Index is 89.5 (US avg = 100), meaning your dollar goes about 10.5% further here than in the average American city.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for an agent at median income:

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Income (Take-Home)	$3,900	After taxes & deductions.
Housing (1BR Rent)	$774	Citywide average.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet)	$180	Varies by season; Wichita summers are hot.
Groceries & Household	$350	A family of one.
Transportation (Car Payment + Insurance + Gas)	$450	Essential. Public transit is limited.
Health Insurance	$300	If not covered by a brokerage.
Professional Costs (MLS, E&O, Marketing)	$250	Non-negotiable for agents.
Discretionary & Savings	$1,596	Left for savings, debt, entertainment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a Cost of Living Index of 89.5, homeownership is very accessible. The median home price in the Wichita metro is around $180,000 - $200,000. A 20% down payment is $36,000 - $40,000. With a budget surplus of nearly $1,600/month, an agent saving $1,000/month could have a down payment in 3-4 years. A FHA loan with a 3.5% down payment ($6,300 - $7,000) is a common path for first-time buyers, making a home purchase feasible within the first year or two of steady work. This is a key selling point for attracting new talent to the city.

Where the Jobs Are: Wichita's Major Employers

While most real estate agents are independent contractors, they work in an ecosystem. Your success is tied to the health of the local economy and its major players. These employers drive relocation, corporate transfers, and housing demand.

1. Spirit AeroSystems: The behemoth of Wichita aviation. They design and manufacture fuselage sections for Boeing and Airbus. This is a high-wage employer that draws aerospace engineers and skilled mechanics from across the globe, creating a steady stream of relocation buyers, especially in suburbs like Andover and Derby.
2. Cessna (Textron Aviation): A historic name in aviation, now part of Textron. Focuses on business jets and piston aircraft. Their presence sustains a network of suppliers and service providers, contributing to a stable, high-skill job market.
3. Via Christi Health (Part of Ascension): The largest healthcare provider in the region. With multiple hospitals (Via Christi on St. Francis, Via Christi on 13th), it’s a massive employer. Healthcare professionals are frequent homebuyers, often looking for homes near their hospitals—think the Central & South neighborhoods for Via Christi St. Francis staff.
4. Wichita State University: A major economic engine. The university employs thousands and attracts students, faculty, and researchers. The area around campus (Eastside, College Hill) sees strong rental and sales markets driven by academic calendars.
5. Kansas Gas Service & Evergy (Formerly Westar Energy): Major utility companies with large local operations. They offer stable, well-paying corporate jobs and are key partners during new construction projects.
6. Local Government (City of Wichita, Sedgwick County): A huge, stable employer. Government workers are reliable buyers and sellers, often looking in established neighborhoods close to downtown.
7. Major Retail & Distribution: Dillons (Kroger) and Walmart have significant regional headquarters or distribution centers here, providing a base of middle-management and logistics jobs.

Hiring Trends: The aerospace sector is currently stable but sensitive to global supply chain issues. Healthcare is growing steadily with an aging population. Wichita State’s innovation campus (the "Innovation District") is a bright spot, aiming to attract tech and advanced manufacturing startups, which could diversify the housing demand in the long term.

Getting Licensed in KS

The process is straightforward but requires focus. The Kansas Real Estate Commission (KREC) oversees everything.

Requirements:

1. Age & Background: Must be 18+ and pass a background check.
2. Education: Complete 60 hours of approved pre-licensing education. This can be done online or in-person through local schools like the Wichita Area Technical College (now WSU Tech) or private academies like the Keller Williams Realty training center. Cost: $300 - $600.
3. Exam: Pass the Kansas Real Estate Salesperson Exam (national & state portions). You’ll schedule this through Pearson VUE. Exam fee: $82.
4. Sponsorship: You must be affiliated with a licensed real estate broker. Interview multiple brokerages in Wichita (Keller Williams, Century 20, RE/MAX) to find the right fit. Some offer split plans, others have monthly fees.
5. Application & Fees: Submit your application to KREC. Total fees for license: $225 (application, background check, license).

Timeline: From starting classes to holding your active license, expect 3 to 5 months. It can be faster if you take an intensive course, but allow time for exam scheduling and background checks.

Best Neighborhoods for Real Estate Agents

Where you live affects your commute, your client base, and your lifestyle. Here’s a local’s guide:

1. College Hill (East Side): Historic, beautiful homes, tree-lined streets. A mix of older professionals, professors, and artists. Close to WSU and upscale dining. Commute: 10-15 mins to downtown. Rent Estimate (1BR): $900 - $1,100.
2. Derby (South Suburb): A distinct city south of Wichita. Top-rated school district, family-oriented, newer construction. This is where many aerospace professionals and young families buy. Commute: 15-20 mins to downtown. Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $950.
3. Eastborough (Exclusive East Side): Small, affluent village with large lots and custom homes. Very private, high-end market. Good for networking with established wealth. Commute: 10 mins to downtown. Rent Estimate (1BR): Limited rental stock; if available, $1,200+.
4. Delano (Downtown Adjacent): Historic, urban, and walkable. A mix of renovated lofts, bungalows, and new apartments. Popular with young professionals and creatives. Commute: 5 mins or walk to downtown. Rent Estimate (1BR): $850 - $1,200.
5. Andover (East Suburb): Another strong suburb with excellent schools and a growing commercial corridor. More affordable than Derby, with a mix of older homes and new subdivisions. Commute: 20-25 mins to downtown. Rent Estimate (1BR): $700 - $900.

Insider Tip: If you’re new, living in a central location like Delano or College Hill puts you in the heart of the action for open houses and meeting clients. If you have a family, the suburbs (Derby, Andover) offer more space and community.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Wichita, growth isn’t about dramatic spikes; it’s about deepening your expertise and expanding your network.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Luxury Market (Eastborough, College Hill, Riverside): Higher price points mean higher commissions, but the volume is lower. Requires impeccable service and a polished brand. Top luxury agents here can earn well above the $120,000 threshold.
  • Farm & Land: Wichita is surrounded by agricultural land. Specializing in farmland, acreages, and rural properties requires specific knowledge of zoning, water rights, and soil quality. This is a niche with less competition but higher barriers to entry.
  • New Construction: With steady growth in suburbs, representing builders can provide a steady stream of clients. This requires knowledge of local building codes and relationships with developers.

• Advancement Paths: The classic path is to move from solo agent to team member, then team leader. Another is to get your broker’s license, which requires 2 years of experience and 45 hours of coursework, allowing you to open your own brokerage. Many agents also transition into property management, which is a stable income stream in a city with a strong rental market.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 3% job growth indicates stability, not explosive expansion. However, Wichita’s affordability is becoming a major draw for remote workers from more expensive coastal cities. As the "Innovation District" at WSU matures, we may see a gradual influx of tech jobs, which could bolster the upper-mid tier of the housing market. The core of your growth will depend on personal reputation. In a city of 400,000, everyone knows someone. Your name is your brand.

The Verdict: Is Wichita Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extremely Low Cost of Living (89.5 Index)	Modest job growth (3%) and market size.
Accessible Homeownership	Winters can be harsh; summers are very hot and humid.
Stable Economy (Aerospace, Healthcare, Education)	Limited cultural amenities compared to larger metros.
Strong, Tight-Knit Professional Networks	Car-dependent city; public transit is limited.
Diverse Neighborhoods from Urban to Rural	Income potential has a lower ceiling than major coastal markets.

Final Recommendation:
Wichita is an excellent choice for a real estate agent who values stability, affordability, and work-life balance over the frenetic pace of a major coastal market. It’s ideal for:

• New agents who need a lower cost of living to survive the first few lean years.
• Agents with families who want to buy a home, access good schools, and enjoy a slower pace.
• Specialists in aviation, healthcare, or agriculture who can leverage deep local knowledge.

It is not for an agent seeking rapid wealth accumulation or a market with endless, high-price inventory. Success here requires patience, community involvement, and a genuine interest in the people and fabric of the city. If you’re willing to put down roots, Wichita offers a rewarding and sustainable career.

FAQs

1. Do I need a car in Wichita?
Yes, absolutely. Wichita is a sprawling city with a "hub-and-spoke" layout. Public transportation (Wichita Transit) exists but is not comprehensive or timely enough for a professional who needs to see properties across the metro. Your daily work will require reliable personal transportation.

2. How competitive is the market for new agents?
It’s competitive, but in a manageable way. There are 792 agents in the metro, but many are part-time or low-volume. The key is finding the right brokerage with strong training. Avoid brokerages that just give you a desk and a phone. Look for one that offers mentorship, leads for new agents, and a collaborative culture. Your first year is about learning and building a database, not just closing deals.

3. What’s the biggest misconception about being an agent in Wichita?
That it’s a "Get Rich Quick" scheme. The median salary of $59,543 doesn’t tell the story of the effort. The 3% growth means the market isn’t exploding. Success here is built on relationships. You’ll work hard for your commission, and the market rewards consistency, not speculation. The low cost of living is your best friend, allowing you to build a business without the crushing financial pressure of a big city.

4. Are there opportunities to work with relocating clients?
Yes, primarily through the major employers. Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation have internal relocation departments. Networking with HR professionals at these companies can be a goldmine. Also, Wichita’s affordability is marketed by the city to attract remote workers, a trend that is slowly growing.

5. What’s the best way to find a brokerage to sponsor me?
Attend local Wichita Area Association of Realtors (WAAR) events as a guest. Most brokerages have open houses for potential agents. Interview at least three. Ask about: their commission split (is it 70/30? 80/20?), desk fees, training programs, and whether they provide leads. In Wichita, a supportive culture often trumps a slightly better split.