Cornelius vs Wilmington: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Cornelius, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cornelius, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,526▲ | $42,894 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.85▲ | $20.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,443 | $35,292▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,739▲ | $36,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,834 | $63,417▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,666 | $77,556▲ |
| Total Employed | 7 | 580▲ |
Verdict
Cornelius and Wilmington are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Cornelius and Wilmington is $4,632 (10.80%). Cornelius's median is -11.37% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cornelius spans $41,223,Wilmington spans $42,264. Wilmington 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, Cornelius ($50,776 effective) pays 14.14% more than Wilmington ($44,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cornelius if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,526/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,776)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,556)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Cornelius grew -12.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -29.1% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Cornelius, NC
$53,571 (2024) → $46,824 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$59,630 (2019) → $42,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cornelius, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Cornelius or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cornelius and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Cornelius to Wilmington as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Cornelius vs Wilmington?
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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