Houston vs El Paso: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Houston, TX and El Paso, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | El Paso, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,989▲ | $38,854 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.04▲ | $18.68 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,491▲ | $28,582 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,068▲ | $36,317 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,935▲ | $63,640 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,090▲ | $124,774 |
| Total Employed | 5,320▲ | 340 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to El Paso.
The salary gap between Houston and El Paso is $11,135 (28.66%). Houston's median is -6.78% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $111,599,El Paso spans $96,192. Houston 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, Houston ($50,684 effective) pays 17.29% more than El Paso ($43,213 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,989/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,090)
- ✓Larger job market (5,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,684)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose El Paso if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Houston grew -28.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -29.3% growth in El Paso over the same period.
Houston, TX
$68,560 (2019) → $49,250 (2025)
El Paso, TX
$54,130 (2019) → $38,280 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
El Paso, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Houston or El Paso?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and El Paso?
Should I relocate from Houston to El Paso as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Houston vs El Paso?
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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