Athens vs Columbus: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Athens, GA and Columbus, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, GA | Columbus, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $43,310▲ | $39,220 |
| Hourly Rate | $20.82▲ | $18.86 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,273▲ | $26,623 |
| 25th Percentile | $28,501 | $31,556▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,631▲ | $59,489 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,024▲ | $85,869 |
| Total Employed | 280▲ | 230 |
Verdict
Athens, GA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Athens and Columbus is $4,090 (10.43%). Athens's median is -19.23% 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,Columbus spans $59,246. 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, Athens ($46,399 effective) pays 5.64% more than Columbus ($43,921 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($43,310/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,024)
- ✓Larger job market (280 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $46,399)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓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 -2.2% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Athens, GA
$51,230 (2019) → $42,670 (2025)
Columbus, GA
$39,500 (2019) → $38,640 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, GA
Columbus, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Athens or Columbus?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Columbus?
Should I relocate from Athens to Columbus as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Athens vs Columbus?
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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