Columbia vs Florence: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Columbia, SC and Florence, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Florence, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,222 | $51,998▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.15 | $25.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,329 | $32,125▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,194▲ | $37,190 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,619 | $95,024▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,551 | $124,946▲ |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 70 |
Verdict
Florence, SC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Florence is $1,776 (3.54%). Florence's median is -3.03% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $73,222,Florence spans $92,821. Florence 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, Florence ($59,923 effective) pays 11.75% more than Columbia ($53,620 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Florence if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($51,998/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($124,946)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,923)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Columbia grew 12.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.2% growth in Florence over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$44,030 (2019) → $49,480 (2025)
Florence, SC
$36,030 (2019) → $51,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Florence, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Columbia or Florence?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Florence?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Florence as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Columbia vs Florence?
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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