Arlington vs Austin: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Arlington, TX and Austin, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington, TX | Austin, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,334 | $46,426▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.31 | $22.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $25,714 | $29,983▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,921 | $38,377▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,748 | $66,340▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $68,718 | $124,622▲ |
| Total Employed | 83 | 2,580▲ |
Verdict
Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington.
The salary gap between Arlington and Austin is $2,092 (4.72%). Austin's median is -13.42% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington spans $43,004,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, Austin ($47,342 effective) pays 2.51% more than Arlington ($46,181 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,426/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,622)
- ✓Larger job market (2,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,342)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Arlington grew -38.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -26.1% growth in Austin over the same period.
Arlington, TX
$71,110 (2024) → $43,679 (2025)
Austin, TX
$61,870 (2019) → $45,740 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington, TX
Austin, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Arlington or Austin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington and Austin?
Should I relocate from Arlington to Austin as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Arlington vs Austin?
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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