Apex vs Wilmington: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Apex, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Apex, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,487▲ | $42,894 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.31▲ | $20.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,810 | $35,292▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,895▲ | $36,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,063 | $63,417▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,155 | $77,556▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Apex and Wilmington are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Apex and Wilmington is $5,593 (13.04%). Apex's median is -9.58% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Apex spans $45,345,Wilmington spans $42,264. Apex has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Apex ($51,802 effective) pays 16.45% more than Wilmington ($44,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Apex if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,487/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,802)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,556)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Apex grew -12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -29.1% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Apex, NC
$54,654 (2024) → $47,770 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$59,630 (2019) → $42,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Apex or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Apex and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Apex to Wilmington as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Apex vs Wilmington?
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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