Birmingham vs Decatur: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Birmingham, AL and Decatur, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Decatur, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,774 | $62,731▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.78 | $30.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,216 | $38,005▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,453 | $46,265▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,282 | $80,296▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,046▲ | $97,233 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Birmingham and Decatur are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Decatur is $4,957 (8.58%). Decatur's median is +16.99% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $75,830,Decatur spans $59,228. Birmingham 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, Decatur ($71,366 effective) pays 13.20% more than Birmingham ($63,042 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,046)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,731/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,366)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Birmingham grew 7.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.0% growth in Decatur over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$52,890 (2019) → $56,920 (2025)
Decatur, AL
$45,792 (2024) → $61,804 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Decatur, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Birmingham or Decatur?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Decatur?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Decatur as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Birmingham vs Decatur?
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