Abilene vs Houston: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Abilene, TX and Houston, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Abilene, TX | Houston, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,507 | $49,989▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.32 | $24.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,821 | $30,491▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,662 | $37,068▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,243 | $84,935▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,550 | $142,090▲ |
| Total Employed | 100 | 5,320▲ |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Abilene.
The salary gap between Abilene and Houston is $1,482 (3.06%). Houston's median is -6.78% 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,Houston spans $111,599. Houston 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 5.91% more than Houston ($50,684 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Abilene if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,680)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,989/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,090)
- ✓Larger job market (5,320 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 -28.2% growth in Houston over the same period.
Abilene, TX
$36,270 (2019) → $47,790 (2025)
Houston, TX
$68,560 (2019) → $49,250 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Abilene, TX
Houston, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Abilene or Houston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Abilene and Houston?
Should I relocate from Abilene to Houston as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Abilene vs Houston?
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