Athens vs Atlanta: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Athens, GA and Atlanta, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Atlanta, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,310 | $47,431▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.82 | $22.81▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,273 | $33,617▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $28,501 | $41,473▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,631 | $73,791▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,024 | $143,267▲ |
| Total Employed | 280 | 6,960▲ |
Verdict
Atlanta, GA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Atlanta is $4,121 (9.52%). Atlanta's median is -11.55% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $67,751,Atlanta spans $109,650. Atlanta 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, Atlanta ($47,404 effective) pays 2.17% more than Athens ($46,399 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Atlanta if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,431/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($143,267)
- ✓Larger job market (6,960 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,404)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Athens grew -16.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.6% growth in Atlanta over the same period.
Athens, GA
$51,230 (2019) → $42,670 (2025)
Atlanta, GA
$48,470 (2019) → $46,730 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Atlanta, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Athens or Atlanta?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Atlanta?
Should I relocate from Athens to Atlanta as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Athens vs Atlanta?
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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