Lafayette vs West Lafayette: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Lafayette, IN and West Lafayette, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, IN | West Lafayette, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,928▲ | $49,147 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.00▲ | $23.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,781 | $32,564▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,585▲ | $38,144 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,692 | $62,909▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,734▲ | $76,179 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Lafayette, IN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Lafayette.
The salary gap between Lafayette and West Lafayette is $781 (1.59%). Lafayette's median is -6.89% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $48,953,West Lafayette spans $43,615. Lafayette 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, West Lafayette ($53,830 effective) pays 0.73% more than Lafayette ($53,439 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,928/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,734)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose West Lafayette if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,830)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Lafayette grew 33.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.0% growth in West Lafayette over the same period.
Lafayette, IN
$36,830 (2019) → $49,190 (2025)
West Lafayette, IN
$47,947 (2024) → $48,421 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, IN
West Lafayette, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Lafayette or West Lafayette?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and West Lafayette?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to West Lafayette as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Lafayette vs West Lafayette?
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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