Kirkland vs Seattle: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Kirkland, WA and Seattle, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kirkland, WA | Seattle, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,112 | $81,190▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.63 | $39.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,274 | $50,050▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $54,189 | $70,025▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,864 | $105,205▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,874 | $115,801▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 3,790▲ |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kirkland.
The salary gap between Kirkland and Seattle is $7,078 (9.55%). Seattle's median is +51.41% 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,Seattle spans $65,751. 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, Seattle ($73,057 effective) pays 5.87% 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…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,190/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,801)
- ✓Larger job market (3,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,057)
- ✓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 32.4% growth in Seattle over the same period.
Kirkland, WA
$87,770 (2024) → $73,017 (2025)
Seattle, WA
$60,430 (2019) → $79,990 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kirkland, WA
Seattle, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Kirkland or Seattle?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kirkland and Seattle?
Should I relocate from Kirkland to Seattle as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Kirkland vs Seattle?
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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