Elkhart vs Lafayette: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Elkhart, IN and Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Elkhart, IN | Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,065 | $49,928▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.59 | $24.00▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,369▲ | $27,781 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,498▲ | $39,585 |
| 75th Percentile | $61,905▲ | $59,692 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,095▲ | $76,734 |
| Total Employed | 50 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Elkhart.
The salary gap between Elkhart and Lafayette is $863 (1.76%). Lafayette's median is -6.89% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Elkhart spans $68,726,Lafayette spans $48,953. Elkhart 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, Elkhart ($54,321 effective) pays 1.65% more than Lafayette ($53,439 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Elkhart if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,095)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,321)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,928/year)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Elkhart grew 22.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 33.6% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Elkhart, IN
$39,460 (2019) → $48,340 (2025)
Lafayette, IN
$36,830 (2019) → $49,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Elkhart, IN
Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Elkhart or Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Elkhart and Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Elkhart to Lafayette as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Elkhart vs Lafayette?
Related Comparisons
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