Lake Forest vs Los Angeles: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Lake Forest, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,686▲ | $47,725 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.66▲ | $22.95 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,119▲ | $39,341 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,346▲ | $43,554 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,958▲ | $58,626 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,613 | $103,703▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 7,340▲ |
Verdict
Lake Forest and Los Angeles are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and Los Angeles is $13,961 (29.25%). Lake Forest's median is +15.04% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Forest spans $55,494,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, Lake Forest ($54,541 effective) pays 29.79% 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 Lake Forest if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,686/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,541)
- ✓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 Lake Forest grew -40.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -23.1% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$102,159 (2024) → $60,774 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$61,160 (2019) → $47,020 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Lake Forest or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to Los Angeles as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Lake Forest 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