Indianapolis vs Valparaiso: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Indianapolis, IN and Valparaiso, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Indianapolis, IN | Valparaiso, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,583 | $48,378▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.88 | $23.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,664 | $30,458▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,615▲ | $36,519 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,954▲ | $61,924 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $83,504▲ | $74,986 |
| Total Employed | 1,920▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Indianapolis and Valparaiso are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Indianapolis and Valparaiso is $795 (1.67%). Valparaiso's median is -9.78% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Indianapolis spans $54,840,Valparaiso spans $44,528. Indianapolis 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, Valparaiso ($52,988 effective) pays 6.57% more than Indianapolis ($49,723 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Indianapolis if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,504)
- ✓Larger job market (1,920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Valparaiso if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,378/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,988)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Indianapolis grew 4.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -3.8% growth in Valparaiso over the same period.
Indianapolis, IN
$45,010 (2019) → $46,880 (2025)
Valparaiso, IN
$49,533 (2024) → $47,663 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Indianapolis, IN
Valparaiso, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Indianapolis or Valparaiso?
What is the hourly rate difference between Indianapolis and Valparaiso?
Should I relocate from Indianapolis to Valparaiso as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Indianapolis vs Valparaiso?
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