• 💰 Part-time real estate agents can earn $40,000–$70,000 a year in hot markets like Las Vegas.
• 📈 A single $400,000 home sale can bring in $10,000 with a 2.5% commission.
• 🏠 Part-time agents often work 10–20 hours a week, handling other duties.
• 🧾 Getting your real estate license usually costs $500–$1,200 and takes 60–120 hours.
• ⚠️ Success depends on being organized, available, and using local market facts.

What Does a Part-Time Real Estate Agent Do?

A part-time real estate agent does the same basic work as full-time agents. But they do it on a more flexible, personal schedule. You might show homes after work or write offers on weekends. And you can fit this work around your main job or other duties.

Typical duties include:

• Doing home tours and showings: You will set up and go to property visits with clients. This is a main part of buying and selling. As a part-timer, you will often do this in the evenings or on weekends.
• Holding open houses: This is a good way to find new clients and build good ties with possible buyers.
• Working out offers and contracts: You will work with clients, agents, and sometimes lawyers to finish terms that keep your client's best interests safe.
• Handling paperwork and rules: Even part-time agents must deal with the many documents that come with real estate deals.
• Doing market checks: Keeping up with trends, checking similar sales, and knowing listing prices in your area help you give good advice to clients.
• Getting the word out about your services: You need to show yourself as a trustworthy, well-informed agent. You can do this through social media, real estate sites, or by word of mouth.

Time is short, so being good at your work matters most. Smart part-time agents often use tools like customer relationship management (CRM) software, email programs, and mobile apps. This helps them keep up with their work without getting tired.

Is Real Estate a Good Part-Time Job?

Real estate can be a very flexible and good-paying part-time job. But you need to do it the right way. Many side jobs pay by the hour. But as a part-time real estate agent, you get paid by commission. This means you can earn a lot from just a few sales.

Some things that make real estate a good part-time choice are:

• High earning chance: Just a few good sales each year can bring in tens of thousands of dollars.
• Flexible hours: You can plan your work time around your main job or family duties.
• Use your connections: You can use your friends, family, and work contacts to find clients. You won't have to rely only on reaching out to strangers.
• Different ways to earn: Agents can also make money from people they refer, broker bonuses, or by becoming investors themselves.

Still, part-time work needs you to be steady. You need to manage your time well and have real ideas about how long things take. Sales can take weeks or months to finish. Planning well—like focusing on areas with many chances or finding a special group of clients—can make your business do better. This can happen without needing to work full-time.

Part-Time Real Estate Agent Salary Expectations

How much you earn as a part-time real estate agent will change based on a few things. These include your local market, how many sales you close each year, your brokerage’s commission split, and how well you use your time.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says many part-time agents across the country make $21,000 to $24,000 a year. But in busy, high-demand places like Las Vegas, this amount can be much higher. Agents who close just a few deals can double or triple that range.

Here is how income could look:

• Typical home sale in Las Vegas: $400,000
• Commission earned (2.5%): $10,000 per sale
• Number of yearly deals (5 to 10): $50,000–$100,000
• Broker split & taxes (about 30–40% taken out): $30,000–$70,000 after costs

You also need to think about costs like marketing, group fees, ongoing training, and MLS access. But even with these costs, the money you get back can be good compared to other part-time jobs.

Tip: Working on expensive or higher-priced homes can raise your earnings per sale. This also cuts down on needing to work with many clients at once.

How to Become a Licensed Part-Time Real Estate Agent

To start in real estate, you first need to meet your state's license rules. Every state has different rules. But much of the process is the same. This makes it possible for working people or parents to get a license while working part-time.

1. Check Your State’s Rules

Each state sets its own license rules. States can have different rules for:

• How many hours of training you need before getting licensed
• How background checks are done
• Fees for applying and taking the test
• Ongoing training rules for renewals

For example, Nevada needs:

• 90 hours of training before licensing
• A passing score on both national and state test parts
• A background check using fingerprints

2. Take a Pre-Licensing Course

Many online schools offer real estate courses you can do at your own speed. This lets you study after work or on weekends. Pick a school approved by your state. How fast you go through the material can make it take from 2 to 6 months to finish.

3. Pass the Real Estate Test

You will need to pass both a national test and a state-specific test. The tests often have multiple-choice questions about:

• Real estate laws and ways of doing things
• Rules for sharing property facts
• Ethics and fair housing laws
• Contracts, how to pay, and holding money for a deal

4. Send in Background Check and Fees

States usually ask for a fingerprint check. This makes sure you do not have a criminal record that would stop you from getting a license. Fees can be $100 to $200, depending on the area.

5. Pick a Brokerage

As a new agent, you must work with a real estate broker watching over you. Choosing a brokerage that helps part-time agents is important. Look for one that gives training, guidance, flexible hours, and fair commission splits. This will make it easier to start your career.

Bonus Tip: Some brokerages have lower monthly fees but give less training. Others put a lot into new agents. Look at what support you need, not just the commission split.

Good Points of Working in Real Estate Part-Time

With a part-time real estate job, you can get into a field that pays well. And you won't have to quit your main job or drop other plans. It gives you a special mix of flexible hours, chances to earn money, and ways to grow as a person.

Main Good Points Are:

• You Control Your Schedule: You choose if you work on weekends, mornings, or evenings. Or you can take a whole weekend off.
• Easy Way to Change Jobs: Many agents who do well started part-time. They tested things out and grew their work once they had clients.
• Knowledge for Two Uses: Learning about the market helps your clients. And it gives you financial facts for your own investing.
• Tax Benefits: You can claim business costs like mileage, ads, work lunches, and even home office costs.
• Get Involved Locally: Real estate ties you closely to your area. Agents often become trusted helpers for people in the community, not just for buying and selling homes.

You might want to add to your income, try out owning a business, or start a second career later in life. Part-time real estate can give you special value.

Hard Parts of a Part-Time Real Estate Job

Part-time real estate looks good, but it has its tough spots. It takes courage, good time management, and the ability to bounce back. This is true especially in busy or quick-moving markets.

Main Problems Are:

• Takes Longer to Get Started: It can take 6–12 months to get your first sale done and build up your list of possible deals.
• Market Rivalry: Full-time agents have more free time. They might be a better fit for clients who need things done fast.
• Income Changes: How much you earn depends on when commissions come in. Deals can fall apart, and sales might take months.
• Work Hours Not Set: Clients often want to see homes in the evenings or on weekends. This can cut into your personal time.
• Office Tasks: You still need to put paperwork, phone calls, and talks first, even if you work part-time.

Pro Tip: Work with clients who are moving to a new area, first-time home buyers, or people sent by friends and family. These groups often care more about trust and personal ties than an agent who is always free.

What Makes Good Part-Time Agents Different?

Part-time agents who do well are not just lucky. They plan things out. They know time is limited. And they make the most of every talk and minute spent on their work.

What Top Part-Time Agents Do and How They Act:

• Good Time Management: Setting up showings, checking in with possible clients, and handling papers need a clear calendar.
• Clear Talking: No matter if you work full- or part-time, being dependable and giving clear updates keeps clients happy.
• Knows Tech: Using CRMs like Follow Up Boss or kvCORE helps with tasks and makes sure you always keep in touch with clients.
• Knows the Local Market Well: This builds trust with clients. It also makes you the go-to person for your neighborhood.
• Help and Advice: Working with experienced agents gives you useful ideas, makes talks easier, and offers good direction.

Being clear about every part of your work—from ads to how you talk to clients—can speed up how fast you learn. It can also help you reach more people, even if you work part-time.

How Steve Hawks Used a Local Real Estate Boost

Top Las Vegas agent Steve Hawks has sold over 4,000 homes. This shows that knowing a lot, being steady, and planning well can bring great results. In busy markets like Las Vegas, what he did offers main lessons for people who want to be part-time agents.

Steve suggests you focus on:

• ZIP Codes with High Returns: Home prices are higher here. And commissions pay more. Think about the future.
• Fast Work and Being Reachable: Even part-time agents can be available all the time with phone tools and help from other teams.
• Building Connections: Steve often talks about how important referrals and repeat clients are in the long run. This is one of the best ways for part-time agents to grow in a steady way.

His saying: “Even if you start part-time, in this market… there’s always room if you put in the effort.”

Is Getting Your Real Estate License for Part-Time Work a Good Idea?

Here is the simple truth: if you are ready to put in the first work to get your real estate license, you can gain money and grow as a person.

Costs to Think About:

• Training course before licensing: $300–$700
• Test fee: $50–$150
• Background check/fingerprint: $50–$100
• License application: $100–$150
• MLS/Board fees: $300–$600 a year

But with just one or two home sales a year, you can often get your money back fast. Some agents even pay for their whole license cost with one rental deal commission.

If you want to make an extra $20,000–$60,000 working part-time, looking into real estate often makes the effort worthwhile. This is true especially in busy areas like Las Vegas.

How to Start in Real Estate

Starting out does not need to be too much. Just focus on small goals:

1. Choose a Licensing School: Look for online schools like Real Estate Express or The CE Shop. They offer learning that fits your schedule.
2. Finish the Schoolwork: Set a goal to study each week (3–5 hours/week). Finish at your own speed.
3. Pass the Test: Use test prep software to try hundreds of practice questions. Many people take their test more than once. Do not give up.
4. Find a Good Brokerage: Talk to at least 3 brokerages. Ask about help for part-timers, guidance, training, and how they charge fees.
5. Build Your Marketing Tools: Make a social media page, build a simple website, and join local real estate groups.
6. Keep Up with Your Goals: You might aim for 3 listings or $50,000 in earnings each year. Keeping track helps you stay driven.

Bonus for Las Vegas residents: Think about getting guidance or joining well-known teams like Steve Hawks’ to help you get going.

Last Thoughts: Who Should (and Should Not) Try This Work?

Being a part-time real estate agent can be a good path. But it needs self-control, flexible hours, and steady effort. It is great for:

✔️ Working people who want more income
✔️ Parents who want part-time flexible hours
✔️ Investors who want to see how the market works up close
✔️ People changing jobs who are trying things out

It might not be right for:

❌ People who need money right away, and that money needs to be steady
❌ Those who cannot work evenings or weekends for client meetings
❌ Anyone who hates meeting new people or working out deals

When done well, part-time real estate is more than just extra income. It is a smart step that can make you rich, make community ties stronger, and even open up a new full-time job.

Citations

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2023). Real estate brokers and sales agents. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm

National Association of Realtors. (2023). Member Profile.

Real Estate Express. (2022). Career Report.