Columbus vs Lancaster: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Columbus, OH and Lancaster, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbus, OH | Lancaster, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,600 | $44,518▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.48 | $21.41▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,440▲ | $28,739 |
| 25th Percentile | $30,440 | $33,991▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $50,801 | $56,983▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $64,351 | $69,003▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,520▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Lancaster, OH offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbus.
The salary gap between Columbus and Lancaster is $1,918 (4.50%). Lancaster's median is -16.98% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbus spans $33,911,Lancaster spans $40,264. Lancaster 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, Lancaster ($49,083 effective) pays 10.00% more than Columbus ($44,622 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,520 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,518/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($69,003)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,083)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Columbus grew 11.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.1% growth in Lancaster over the same period.
Columbus, OH
$37,560 (2019) → $41,970 (2025)
Lancaster, OH
$52,255 (2024) → $43,860 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Lancaster, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Columbus or Lancaster?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbus and Lancaster?
Should I relocate from Columbus to Lancaster as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Columbus vs Lancaster?
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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