Kansas City vs St. Louis: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Kansas City, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,452 | $46,182▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.85 | $22.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,256▲ | $32,571 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,113 | $38,996▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,149 | $72,268▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,137 | $114,705▲ |
| Total Employed | 990▲ | 740 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kansas City.
The salary gap between Kansas City and St. Louis is $730 (1.61%). St. Louis's median is -13.87% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $52,881,St. Louis spans $82,134. St. Louis 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 ($49,114 effective) pays 1.13% more than St. Louis ($48,568 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Larger job market (990 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $49,114)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,182/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,705)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Kansas City grew 15.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.6% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Kansas City, MO
$38,760 (2019) → $44,780 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$51,470 (2019) → $45,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Kansas City or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to St. Louis as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Kansas City vs St. Louis?
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