Bluffton vs Charleston: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Bluffton, SC and Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bluffton, SC | Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,490▲ | $61,012 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.77▲ | $29.33 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,257▲ | $40,590 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,052▲ | $52,313 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,908▲ | $85,240 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,560 | $130,011▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,350▲ |
Verdict
Bluffton and Charleston are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Bluffton and Charleston is $15,478 (25.37%). Bluffton's median is +42.65% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bluffton spans $68,303,Charleston spans $89,421. Charleston 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, Bluffton ($83,596 effective) pays 38.33% more than Charleston ($60,431 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bluffton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,490/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,596)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,011)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bluffton grew 49.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 52.3% growth in Charleston over the same period.
Bluffton, SC
$50,500 (2024) → $75,360 (2025)
Charleston, SC
$39,480 (2019) → $60,110 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bluffton, SC
Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Bluffton or Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bluffton and Charleston?
Should I relocate from Bluffton to Charleston as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Bluffton vs Charleston?
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