Kansas City vs Manhattan: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Kansas City, KS and Manhattan, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Manhattan, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,741▲ | $37,555 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.00▲ | $18.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $26,812 | $28,765▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $33,097 | $34,804▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,548▲ | $42,112 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $70,899 | $76,582▲ |
| Total Employed | 25 | 110▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City and Manhattan are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Manhattan is $8,186 (21.80%). Kansas City's median is -14.70% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $44,087,Manhattan spans $47,817. Manhattan 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, Kansas City ($50,320 effective) pays 20.81% more than Manhattan ($41,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,741/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,320)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Manhattan if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,582)
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Kansas City grew -15.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -3.0% growth in Manhattan over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$53,588 (2024) → $45,065 (2025)
Manhattan, KS
$38,130 (2021) → $37,000 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Manhattan, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Kansas City or Manhattan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Manhattan?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Manhattan as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Kansas City vs Manhattan?
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