Hilton Head Island vs Summerville: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Hilton Head Island, SC and Summerville, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hilton Head Island, SC | Summerville, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $77,972▲ | $48,039 |
| Hourly Rate | $37.49▲ | $23.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,153▲ | $31,232 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,948▲ | $36,988 |
| 75th Percentile | $103,743▲ | $61,490 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $198,818▲ | $74,460 |
| Total Employed | 420▲ | 12 |
Verdict
Hilton Head Island, SC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Summerville.
The salary gap between Hilton Head Island and Summerville is $29,933 (62.31%). Hilton Head Island's median is +45.41% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hilton Head Island spans $158,665,Summerville spans $43,228. Hilton Head Island 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, Hilton Head Island ($79,549 effective) pays 51.52% more than Summerville ($52,502 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,972/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($198,818)
- ✓Larger job market (420 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,549)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Summerville if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Hilton Head Island grew 91.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Summerville over the same period.
Hilton Head Island, SC
$40,080 (2019) → $76,820 (2025)
Summerville, SC
$51,961 (2024) → $47,329 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hilton Head Island, SC
Summerville, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Hilton Head Island or Summerville?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hilton Head Island and Summerville?
Should I relocate from Hilton Head Island to Summerville as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Hilton Head Island vs Summerville?
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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