Kirkland vs Olympia: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Kirkland, WA and Olympia, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkland, WA | Olympia, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,112 | $83,737▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.63 | $40.25▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,274 | $49,258▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,189 | $63,823▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,864 | $97,075▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,874▲ | $105,814 |
| Total Employed | 13 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkland.
The salary gap between Kirkland and Olympia is $9,625 (12.99%). Olympia's median is +56.16% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kirkland spans $70,600,Olympia spans $56,556. Kirkland 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, Olympia ($80,773 effective) pays 17.05% more than Kirkland ($69,006 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kirkland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,874)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,737/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,773)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Kirkland grew -16.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.7% growth in Olympia over the same period.
Kirkland, WA
$87,770 (2024) → $73,017 (2025)
Olympia, WA
$61,720 (2019) → $82,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkland, WA
Olympia, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Kirkland or Olympia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkland and Olympia?
Should I relocate from Kirkland to Olympia as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Kirkland vs Olympia?
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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