Bakersfield vs Los Angeles: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Bakersfield, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bakersfield, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,814▲ | $47,725 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.80▲ | $22.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,433 | $39,341▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,442 | $43,554▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,302▲ | $58,626 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,053 | $103,703▲ |
| Total Employed | 240 | 7,340▲ |
Verdict
Bakersfield and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bakersfield and Los Angeles is $10,089 (21.14%). Bakersfield's median is +7.82% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bakersfield spans $63,620,Los Angeles spans $64,362. Los Angeles 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, Bakersfield ($57,306 effective) pays 36.37% more than Los Angeles ($42,024 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bakersfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,814/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,306)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,703)
- ✓Larger job market (7,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bakersfield grew 25.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -23.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Bakersfield, CA
$45,480 (2019) → $56,960 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$61,160 (2019) → $47,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bakersfield, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Bakersfield or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bakersfield and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Bakersfield to Los Angeles as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Bakersfield vs Los Angeles?
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