Looking for an opportunity to earn more in real estate? Consider a focus on commercial properties. : If you're interested in a career in real estate with a high-earning opportunity, you may want to focus on commercial properties. The exact numbers vary by source, but according to National Association of Realtors data, the median residential real estate agent made $34,100 in gross income in 2020. Commercial real estate agents? They brought in over $150,000. Real estate education provider McKissock estimates commercial real estate agent earnings are even higher – about $166,000 annually.