Austin vs San Marcos: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Austin, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Austin, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,426 | $47,509▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.32 | $22.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,983▲ | $29,500 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,377▲ | $35,685 |
| 75th Percentile | $66,340▲ | $60,812 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $124,622▲ | $73,639 |
| Total Employed | 2,580▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Austin and San Marcos are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Austin and San Marcos is $1,083 (2.33%). San Marcos's median is -11.40% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $94,639,San Marcos spans $44,139. Austin 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, San Marcos ($49,489 effective) pays 4.54% more than Austin ($47,342 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Austin if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,622)
- ✓Larger job market (2,580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,509/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,489)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Austin grew -26.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -33.2% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Austin, TX
$61,870 (2019) → $45,740 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$70,025 (2024) → $46,807 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Austin, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Austin or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Austin to San Marcos as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Austin vs San Marcos?
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