Hickory vs Raleigh: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Hickory, NC and Raleigh, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hickory, NC | Raleigh, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,111 | $50,720▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.64 | $24.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,201▲ | $28,359 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,075 | $38,692▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,302 | $101,388▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,022 | $121,891▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 2,150▲ |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hickory.
The salary gap between Hickory and Raleigh is $3,609 (7.66%). Raleigh's median is -5.41% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hickory spans $43,821,Raleigh spans $93,532. Raleigh 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, Raleigh ($51,672 effective) pays 2.66% more than Hickory ($50,332 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hickory if…
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,720/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,891)
- ✓Larger job market (2,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,672)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Hickory grew -5.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 31.7% growth in Raleigh over the same period.
Hickory, NC
$48,950 (2019) → $46,415 (2025)
Raleigh, NC
$37,930 (2019) → $49,970 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hickory, NC
Raleigh, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Hickory or Raleigh?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hickory and Raleigh?
Should I relocate from Hickory to Raleigh as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Hickory vs Raleigh?
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