Bellingham vs Olympia: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Bellingham, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bellingham, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,090 | $83,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.14 | $40.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,527 | $49,258▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,073 | $63,823▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $99,714▲ | $97,075 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,872▲ | $105,814 |
| Total Employed | 100 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Bellingham and Olympia is $10,647 (14.57%). Olympia's median is +56.16% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bellingham spans $67,345,Olympia spans $56,556. Bellingham 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, Olympia ($80,773 effective) pays 14.20% more than Bellingham ($70,732 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,872)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,737/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,773)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bellingham grew 46.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Bellingham, WA
$49,280 (2019) → $72,010 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$61,720 (2019) → $82,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bellingham, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Bellingham or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bellingham and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Bellingham to Olympia as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Bellingham vs Olympia?
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