Carmel vs Lafayette: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Carmel, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carmel, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,166 | $49,928▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.68 | $24.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,833▲ | $27,781 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,443 | $39,585▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,372▲ | $59,692 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,107 | $76,734▲ |
| Total Employed | 15 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carmel.
The salary gap between Carmel and Lafayette is $2,762 (5.86%). Lafayette's median is -6.89% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carmel spans $42,274,Lafayette spans $48,953. Lafayette 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, Lafayette ($53,439 effective) pays 3.44% more than Carmel ($51,660 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carmel if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,928/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,734)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,439)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Carmel grew -5.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Carmel, IN
$49,277 (2024) → $46,469 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$36,830 (2019) → $49,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carmel, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Carmel or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carmel and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Carmel to Lafayette as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Carmel vs Lafayette?
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