Burien vs Seattle: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Burien, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burien, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,018 | $81,190▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.59 | $39.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,903 | $50,050▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $56,827 | $70,025▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,743 | $105,205▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,727 | $115,801▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 3,790▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burien.
The salary gap between Burien and Seattle is $7,172 (9.69%). Seattle's median is +51.41% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burien spans $66,824,Seattle spans $65,751. Burien 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, Seattle ($73,057 effective) pays 6.01% more than Burien ($68,918 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burien if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,190/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,801)
- ✓Larger job market (3,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,057)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Burien grew -16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 32.4% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Burien, WA
$87,658 (2024) → $72,924 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$60,430 (2019) → $79,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burien, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Burien or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burien and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Burien to Seattle as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Burien vs Seattle?
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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