Columbia vs Sumter: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Columbia, SC and Sumter, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Sumter, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,222▲ | $46,726 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.15▲ | $22.46 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,329 | $30,762▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,194▲ | $36,119 |
| 75th Percentile | $69,619▲ | $59,809 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $101,551▲ | $72,424 |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sumter.
The salary gap between Columbia and Sumter is $3,496 (7.48%). Columbia's median is -6.34% 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,Sumter spans $41,662. Columbia 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, Columbia ($53,620 effective) pays 5.00% more than Sumter ($51,067 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,222/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,551)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,620)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Sumter if…
- ✓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 46.2% growth in Sumter over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$44,030 (2019) → $49,480 (2025)
Sumter, SC
$31,490 (2019) → $46,035 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Sumter, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Columbia or Sumter?
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Should I relocate from Columbia to Sumter as a real estate agent?
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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