Laguna Niguel vs Los Angeles: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Laguna Niguel, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Laguna Niguel, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,004▲ | $47,725 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.33▲ | $22.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,606 | $39,341▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,366▲ | $43,554 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,085▲ | $58,626 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,555 | $103,703▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 7,340▲ |
Verdict
Laguna Niguel and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Laguna Niguel and Los Angeles is $13,279 (27.82%). Laguna Niguel's median is +13.77% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Laguna Niguel spans $55,949,Los Angeles spans $64,362. Los Angeles 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, Laguna Niguel ($53,938 effective) pays 28.35% more than Los Angeles ($42,024 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Laguna Niguel if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,004/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,938)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,703)
- ✓Larger job market (7,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Laguna Niguel grew -40.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -23.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Laguna Niguel, CA
$101,030 (2024) → $60,102 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$61,160 (2019) → $47,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Laguna Niguel, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Laguna Niguel or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Laguna Niguel and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Laguna Niguel to Los Angeles as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Laguna Niguel vs Los Angeles?
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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