It depends a lot on location, experience, and performance—but let’s break it down clearly:
| Profession | Average Pay (US) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) | $80,000 – $90,000/year | Salary is steady, often with benefits and overtime. Pay increases with experience, specialties (ICU, ER, etc.), or advanced degrees. |
| Real Estate Agent | $50,000 – $100,000+/year (median ~$60,000) | Income is commission-based, so it can be very high in strong markets or for top performers, but many agents earn less than the median. New agents often earn under $40k in their first year. |
Key differences:
- Nursing: predictable, stable, and reliable. Hard work but steady income.
- Real estate: high earning potential if you sell consistently, but income is uncertain and fluctuates with the market.
💡 Bottom line: A nurse typically makes more consistently, while a real estate agent can potentially make much more—but also can make a lot less, especially in the early years.
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