Lafayette vs Monroe: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Lafayette, LA and Monroe, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lafayette, LA | Monroe, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,264 | $47,228▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.28 | $22.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $18,767▲ | $18,331 |
| 25th Percentile | $33,860 | $35,424▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,285▲ | $61,834 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,832▲ | $88,752 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 90 |
Verdict
Lafayette and Monroe are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lafayette and Monroe is $2,964 (6.70%). Monroe's median is -11.92% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lafayette spans $72,065,Monroe spans $70,421. 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, Monroe ($56,495 effective) pays 11.31% more than Lafayette ($50,756 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,832)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Monroe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,228/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,495)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Lafayette grew 47.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.2% growth in Monroe over the same period.
Lafayette, LA
$29,560 (2019) → $43,610 (2025)
Monroe, LA
$53,020 (2019) → $46,530 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Monroe, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Lafayette or Monroe?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lafayette and Monroe?
Should I relocate from Lafayette to Monroe as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Lafayette vs Monroe?
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