Houston vs McAllen: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Houston, TX and McAllen, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | McAllen, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,989▲ | $36,621 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.04▲ | $17.61 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,491▲ | $23,873 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,068▲ | $31,455 |
| 75th Percentile | $84,935▲ | $58,596 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,090▲ | $90,041 |
| Total Employed | 5,320▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Houston, TX offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to McAllen.
The salary gap between Houston and McAllen is $13,368 (36.50%). 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,McAllen spans $66,168. 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 18.88% more than McAllen ($42,635 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 McAllen 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 -23.4% growth in McAllen over the same period.
Houston, TX
$68,560 (2019) → $49,250 (2025)
McAllen, TX
$47,110 (2019) → $36,080 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
McAllen, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Houston or McAllen?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and McAllen?
Should I relocate from Houston to McAllen as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Houston vs McAllen?
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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