Athens vs Cartersville: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Athens, GA and Cartersville, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Cartersville, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,310 | $44,889▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.82 | $21.58▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,273 | $29,085▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $28,501 | $34,222▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,631▲ | $57,458 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,024▲ | $69,578 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Athens and Cartersville are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Athens and Cartersville is $1,579 (3.65%). Cartersville's median is -16.29% 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,Cartersville spans $40,493. Athens 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, Cartersville ($48,216 effective) pays 3.92% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,024)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Cartersville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,889/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,216)
- ✓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 -19.6% growth in Cartersville over the same period.
Athens, GA
$51,230 (2019) → $42,670 (2025)
Cartersville, GA
$54,981 (2024) → $44,226 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Cartersville, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Athens or Cartersville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cartersville?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cartersville as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Athens vs Cartersville?
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