Cleveland vs Dayton: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Cleveland, OH and Dayton, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, OH | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,985▲ | $44,224 |
| Hourly Rate | $21.63▲ | $21.26 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,511 | $30,968▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,357 | $39,220▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,123 | $70,908▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,842▲ | $94,162 |
| Total Employed | 1,040▲ | 180 |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dayton.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Dayton is $761 (1.72%). Cleveland's median is -16.11% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $85,331,Dayton spans $63,194. Cleveland 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, Cleveland ($47,896 effective) pays 0.39% more than Dayton ($47,710 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,985/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,842)
- ✓Larger job market (1,040 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,896)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Dayton if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Cleveland grew -0.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.4% growth in Dayton over the same period.
Cleveland, OH
$44,430 (2019) → $44,320 (2025)
Dayton, OH
$29,760 (2020) → $43,570 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, OH
Dayton, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Cleveland or Dayton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Dayton?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Dayton as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Cleveland vs Dayton?
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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