Central vs Lafayette: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Central, LA and Lafayette, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Central, LA | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,785▲ | $44,264 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.53▲ | $21.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,927▲ | $18,767 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,086▲ | $33,860 |
| 75th Percentile | $57,324 | $63,285▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $69,417 | $90,832▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 210▲ |
Verdict
Central and Lafayette are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Central and Lafayette is $521 (1.18%). Central's median is -16.48% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Central spans $39,490,Lafayette spans $72,065. 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 ($50,756 effective) pays 2.34% more than Central ($49,596 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Central if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,785/year)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,832)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,756)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Central grew -7.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 47.5% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Central, LA
$47,711 (2024) → $44,123 (2025)
Lafayette, LA
$29,560 (2019) → $43,610 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Central, LA
Lafayette, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Central or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Central and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Central to Lafayette as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Central vs Lafayette?
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