Ann Arbor vs Grand Rapids: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Ann Arbor, MI and Grand Rapids, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ann Arbor, MI | Grand Rapids, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,047▲ | $56,637 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.87▲ | $27.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,711▲ | $35,545 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,020▲ | $40,184 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,861 | $78,510▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,073 | $105,946▲ |
| Total Employed | 24 | 400▲ |
Verdict
Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids is $3,410 (6.02%). Ann Arbor's median is +11.98% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Ann Arbor spans $57,362,Grand Rapids spans $70,401. Grand Rapids 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, Ann Arbor ($64,428 effective) pays 8.69% more than Grand Rapids ($59,277 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ann Arbor if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,047/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,428)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,946)
- ✓Larger job market (400 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Ann Arbor grew 34.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.1% growth in Grand Rapids over the same period.
Ann Arbor, MI
$44,050 (2019) → $59,160 (2025)
Grand Rapids, MI
$42,890 (2019) → $55,800 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ann Arbor, MI
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Ann Arbor or Grand Rapids?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids?
Should I relocate from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Ann Arbor vs Grand Rapids?
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