Fort Collins vs Thornton: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $80,571▲ | $57,188 |
| Hourly Rate | $38.73▲ | $27.50 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,318 | $33,457▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,263▲ | $41,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $91,279▲ | $73,201 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,279▲ | $88,642 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 34 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Thornton.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Thornton is $23,383 (40.89%). Fort Collins's median is +50.26% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $58,961,Thornton spans $55,185. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($79,672 effective) pays 46.28% more than Thornton ($54,465 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($80,571/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,279)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,672)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Fort Collins grew 101.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -32.3% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$39,320 (2019) → $79,380 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$83,186 (2024) → $56,343 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Fort Collins or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Thornton as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Fort Collins vs Thornton?
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