East Chicago vs Indianapolis: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between East Chicago, IN and Indianapolis, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | East Chicago, IN | Indianapolis, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,351 | $47,583▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.77 | $22.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,805▲ | $28,664 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,330 | $39,615▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,609 | $67,954▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,394 | $83,504▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 1,920▲ |
Verdict
Indianapolis, IN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to East Chicago.
The salary gap between East Chicago and Indianapolis is $232 (0.49%). Indianapolis's median is -11.26% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in East Chicago spans $42,589,Indianapolis spans $54,840. Indianapolis 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, East Chicago ($51,863 effective) pays 4.30% more than Indianapolis ($49,723 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose East Chicago if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,863)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,583/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,504)
- ✓Larger job market (1,920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in East Chicago grew -3.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.2% growth in Indianapolis over the same period.
East Chicago, IN
$48,481 (2024) → $46,651 (2025)
Indianapolis, IN
$45,010 (2019) → $46,880 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
East Chicago, IN
Indianapolis, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: East Chicago or Indianapolis?
What is the hourly rate difference between East Chicago and Indianapolis?
Should I relocate from East Chicago to Indianapolis as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in East Chicago vs Indianapolis?
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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