Cleveland vs Knoxville: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Cleveland, TN and Knoxville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cleveland, TN | Knoxville, TN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,088▲ | $38,387 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.16▲ | $18.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,816 | $30,886▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,012▲ | $34,845 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,993 | $59,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,437 | $83,007▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland and Knoxville are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cleveland and Knoxville is $7,701 (20.06%). Cleveland's median is -14.05% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cleveland spans $40,621,Knoxville spans $52,121. Knoxville 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, Cleveland ($50,205 effective) pays 21.07% more than Knoxville ($41,469 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 ($46,088/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,205)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Choose Knoxville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,007)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Cleveland grew 56.6% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -14.1% growth in Knoxville over the same period.
Cleveland, TN
$28,990 (2021) → $45,407 (2025)
Knoxville, TN
$44,040 (2019) → $37,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cleveland, TN
Knoxville, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Cleveland or Knoxville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cleveland and Knoxville?
Should I relocate from Cleveland to Knoxville as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Cleveland vs Knoxville?
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