Abilene vs Austin: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Abilene, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,507▲ | $46,426 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.32▲ | $22.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,821 | $29,983▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,662 | $38,377▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,243▲ | $66,340 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,550 | $124,622▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 2,580▲ |
Verdict
Abilene and Austin are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Abilene and Austin is $2,081 (4.48%). Abilene's median is -9.54% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Abilene spans $54,729,Austin spans $94,639. Austin has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Abilene ($53,680 effective) pays 13.39% more than Austin ($47,342 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Abilene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,507/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,680)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,622)
- ✓Larger job market (2,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Abilene grew 31.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -26.1% growth in Austin over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$36,270 (2019) → $47,790 (2025)
Austin, TX
$61,870 (2019) → $45,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Abilene or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Abilene and Austin?
Should I relocate from Abilene to Austin as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Abilene vs Austin?
Related Comparisons
Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov