Fairfax vs Roanoke: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Fairfax, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,019 | $48,162▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.13 | $23.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,797 | $37,758▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,215 | $43,655▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,905 | $77,719▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,329 | $92,456▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 240▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfax.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Roanoke is $2,143 (4.66%). Roanoke's median is -10.18% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $41,532,Roanoke spans $54,698. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($51,445 effective) pays 15.37% more than Fairfax ($44,592 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,162/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,456)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,445)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Fairfax grew -32.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -2.3% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$66,997 (2024) → $45,339 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$48,590 (2021) → $47,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Fairfax or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Fairfax to Roanoke as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Fairfax vs Roanoke?
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