Hillsboro vs Salem: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Hillsboro, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hillsboro, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,871▲ | $62,575 |
| Hourly Rate | $32.63▲ | $30.08 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,463▲ | $34,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $50,433▲ | $39,362 |
| 75th Percentile | $86,875▲ | $77,850 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,200 | $111,630▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Hillsboro and Salem are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Hillsboro and Salem is $5,296 (8.46%). Hillsboro's median is +26.57% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hillsboro spans $63,737,Salem spans $76,907. Salem 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, Hillsboro ($66,151 effective) pays 9.57% more than Salem ($60,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hillsboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($67,871/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,151)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,630)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Hillsboro grew -7.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Hillsboro, OR
$72,069 (2024) → $66,868 (2025)
Salem, OR
$69,510 (2019) → $61,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hillsboro, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Hillsboro or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hillsboro and Salem?
Should I relocate from Hillsboro to Salem as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Hillsboro vs Salem?
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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