Athens vs Columbus: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Athens, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $41,584 | $42,600▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.00 | $20.48▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,333 | $30,440▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $31,986▲ | $30,440 |
| 75th Percentile | $53,227▲ | $50,801 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,455▲ | $64,351 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,520▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Columbus is $1,016 (2.44%). Columbus's median is -20.55% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $37,122,Columbus spans $33,911. 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 ($45,848 effective) pays 2.75% more than Columbus ($44,622 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 ($64,455)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,848)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($42,600/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Athens grew -16.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.7% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Athens, OH
$48,811 (2024) → $40,969 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$37,560 (2019) → $41,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Columbus, OH
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