Columbus vs Lincoln: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Columbus, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,816 | $58,860▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.03 | $28.30▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,030 | $47,776▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $36,634 | $47,776▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,645 | $81,931▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,014 | $90,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 290▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lincoln is $13,044 (28.47%). Lincoln's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $38,984,Lincoln spans $42,468. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($64,271 effective) pays 28.36% more than Columbus ($50,072 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,860/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,244)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,271)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Columbus grew -14.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 53.9% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Columbus, NE
$52,974 (2024) → $45,139 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$37,680 (2019) → $57,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Columbus or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lincoln as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Columbus vs Lincoln?
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