For those looking to start a career in New South Wales’ lucrative real estate market, working as a real estate assistant is a necessary stepping stone towards obtaining a Class 1 licence. In the industry, real estate assistants are more commonly referred to as assistant agents. So, in an industry centred around money and valuations – how much does an assistant agent make?
Average earnings for an assistant agent in Australia
As of February 2025, the average annual salary for an assistant agent in Australia is $56,250 (Jora). Earnings for an assistant agent are either issued according to an hourly rate or monthly remuneration, depending on the arrangement of the real estate employer.
It’s not accurate to compare these earnings with the high-income earnings usually associated with real estate agents, as the role of an assistant agent is just one step of the journey.
Given that the real estate industry is one of Australia’s largest markets, it takes time to reach the upper echelons of real estate earnings. Like with any industry, those who are taking their first steps in a real estate career should focus on learning the tricks of the trade to pave the way to future earnings.
What are the responsibilities of an assistant agent?
An assistant agent is an entry-level role in the state of New South Wales. As an assistant agent, individuals can work under supervision in a real estate agency or under an independent real estate agent.
Some of the responsibilities of an assistant agent include:
- Performing administrative duties such as the preparation of real estate documents
- Working with real estate agents to arrange and host open house events
- Assist with the creation of marketing materials like brochures or posters
- Manage the distribution of both online and out-of-home advertisements
- Conduct research and property searches for properties listed for sale
- Support real estate agents with securing property sales
However, there are certain limitations to what assistant agents can do. Assistant agents cannot sell, lease, or manage real estate on behalf of clients independently — these actions can only be carried out by licensed real estate agents or property managers.
Why work as an assistant agent?
To put it simply, assistant agents play a supportive role in real estate transactions and operations. Being involved in day-to-day real estate activities provides opportunities for assistant agents to gain industry-specific knowledge to supplement on-the-job learning.
Assistant agents also work under the guidance of one or more fully licensed real estate professionals. Under this arrangement, assistant agents can hone their skills in preparation for becoming licensed real estate agents themselves.
Considering how complex and nuanced the real estate industry is in Australia, working as an assistant agent provides an entry-level environment for property industry beginners to learn from their mistakes and get a good handle on the best strategies for success.
Do you need to be an assistant agent to work in real estate?
Individuals who want to work in the New South Wales real estate industry must first hold a Certificate of Registration as an assistant agent. Under this requirement, an assistant agent must work in the role while completing the relevant study qualifications to obtain a Class 2 real estate licence.
Other states and territories have their own entry-level registrations that individuals are required to obtain to work in the industry. In Victoria, for example, individuals can complete the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice Victoria course to work as an agent’s representative.
How to become an assistant agent in NSW
To become an assistant agent in NSW, individuals must complete the Assistant Agent course with a Registered Training Organisation, such as Entry Education (RTO 41529).
The Assistant Agent course consists of five study units. Upon completion, individuals can apply for a Certificate of Registration from Fair Trading NSW. Once accepted, individuals can start working as an assistant agent in real estate agencies or under a Class 1 licensed real estate agent.
Alternatively, individuals can complete the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice which is the educational requirement for the Class 2 licence, as outlined by NSW Fair Trading, and it includes the same five study units in the Assistant Agent course. This option is available for new entrants to the real estate industry and existing assistant agents to obtain a Class 2 real estate licence qualification. Individuals must still obtain a Certificate of Registration and work for at least 12 months as an assistant agent before they can apply for the Class 2 licence.
Additional requirements for assistant agents in NSW
Assistant agents in NSW are required to complete a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) course each year to continue holding a valid Certificate of Registration. The CPD course includes three units from the CPP41419 Certificate IV in Real Estate Practice to provide further learning for assistant agents and help them on the path to gain the next qualification required for their Class 2 licence. Not completing the CPD course may result in fines and/or the cancellation of a Certificate of Registration.
