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Becoming a San Diego Real Estate Agent: What You Should Know

The American-English poet, T.S. Elliott, once penned, “Home is where one starts.”  While this quote might seem more geared towards homeowners, it could be just as appropriate for anyone dreaming of becoming a San Diego real estate agent. Why? Because selling homes to people in SD can be an incredible starting point for a rewarding (and potentially lucrative) career. It could be a new beginning that promises a solid earning foundation and satisfying outcomes for both home–seekers and you, the seller. But what’s involved with becoming a real estate professional in San Diego? We’ve got answers.

First, Let’s Talk Viability

Is it realistic? Is the market viable enough to even entertain selling real estate in San Diego right now? Short answer: Yes. Long answer? There are some barriers to entry. For instance, San Diego’s current housing market remains strong but does show signs of cooling off. The county’s median home price in mid‑2025 was about $1,021,000. That price has dropped roughly 1.2% year‑over‑year. Furthermore, inventory has risen to around 3.2 months supply, giving buyers more room to negotiate than during the frenetic low‑supply era. 

What does that mean for you and your San Diego real estate career prospects? It means that this could still be a viable career move for you. To prove that point, consider this: Even with slightly lower (but stable) median prices, San Diego is still expected to be one of the most competitive U.S. markets in 2025 and beyond, with limited listings and high buyer demand.  In other words, there are still opportunities out there, and they’re waiting for you to latch on.

The Right Stuff: Do You Have It?

Now, let’s talk about what it takes to join the proud ranks of real estate agents in San Diego.

Steps to Becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent in San Diego

• Meet the basic requirements: Be at least 18 years old and pass a background check, including Live Scan fingerprinting.
  
• Complete 135 hours of pre-licensing education. Coursework includes:
  
  • Real Estate Principles (45 hours)
    
  • Real Estate Practice (45 hours)
    
  • One elective, such as Legal Aspects of Real Estate (45 hours)
    Approved courses can be taken online or in person through state-accredited schools.
    
• Pass the California real estate exam
  
  • 150 multiple-choice questions
    
  • 3-hour time limit
    
  • 70% score required to pass
    
• Submit your license application
  Next, apply through the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). Total costs for education, fingerprinting, and application typically range from $400 to $600.
  
• Work under a licensed real estate broker
  You must affiliate with a licensed broker to practice as a salesperson in California.
  
• Complete continuing education and renew your license
  
  • License must be renewed every four years
    
  • Requires 45 hours of approved continuing education coursework.

Getting Help for the Learning Curves: Local Schools & Training Options Near San Diego

If going DIY for your SD real estate license is a bit too much to chew for you, there are plenty of flexible options available. For example, local institutions like San Diego Mesa College offer in-person and online real estate courses. These could be a suitable option if you’re looking for a structured classroom setting.

Need to work at your own pace? Online providers like Kaplan, Allied Schools, OnlineEd, and RealEstateU offer California-approved 135-hour packages, often under $300. Many include exam prep, live support, and flexible scheduling.

You can also check out the San Diego Association of REALTORS® (SDAR), which provides helpful licensing info, training resources, and professional benefits once you’re in the field.

Before enrolling anywhere, make sure the program is approved by the California Department of Real Estate (DRE). Keep in mind, not all courses are created equal, and it’s worth doing your homework upfront.

Let’s Talk Money: Is Becoming a San Diego Real Estate Profitable?

Before even dipping your toe into the real estate biz in San Diego, you need to know this: There are ups, downs, and all-arounds. Meaning, there can be big swings in earnings year to year (sometimes even month to month). Most of this fluctuation has to do with your experience, deal volume, real estate inventory, and how much hustle you bring to the table. 

That said, according to Glassdoor, agents in the area earn an average of $197,500 per year in total compensation, with top performers bringing in $270,000 or more.

Other sources like ZipRecruiter and PayScale report lower base salaries, around $51,000 annually or roughly $25 per hour, but these numbers often reflect newer agents or those working part-time.

Full-time agents in California can earn upwards of $200,000 per year, according to Allied Schools, especially once they’ve built a client base and mastered the art of negotiation, marketing, and referrals. Most agents start by doing around four deals a year, with commission earnings often starting at about 1% take-home per sale depending on the brokerage split.

In high-end markets like La Jolla, success tends to go hand-in-hand with niche expertise, exceptional service, and a strong local network. The potential is there. However, like any business, what you earn depends on what you put in.

Is It Worth It?

Whether or not it’s worth it for you to become a real estate agent in San Diego is, of course, entirely up to you. You’ll have to take into account your needs, desires, wanted outcomes, and your ability to follow through with this new career trajectory. 

If you’ve got the grit and determination to dive it, then yes, it is worth it. Not just for the money (although that has potential to be most excellent), but it’s also worth it for the satisfaction of being your own boss, being a part of a strong community, and finding homes for good people who need them. 

If you’re still on the fence, go to a few continuing education classes, or talk to other real estate agents in San Diego. Gather more facts, and ask questions. Learn more about this business, and then start making choices. Either way, we wish you all the best of luck!

The copyrights for the images in this article belong to LaJolla.com.