Lansing vs Traverse City: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Lansing, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,882 | $61,377▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.46 | $29.51▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,023 | $32,023 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,361▲ | $32,023 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,300 | $95,542▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,088 | $171,626▲ |
| Total Employed | 110▲ | 50 |
Verdict
Traverse City, MI offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.
The salary gap between Lansing and Traverse City is $10,495 (20.63%). Traverse City's median is +14.46% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $72,065,Traverse City spans $139,603. Traverse City 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, Traverse City ($65,734 effective) pays 22.72% more than Lansing ($53,565 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Larger job market (110 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,377/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($171,626)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,734)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Lansing grew -9.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.2% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$55,210 (2019) → $50,130 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$64,490 (2024) → $60,470 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Lansing or Traverse City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Traverse City?
Should I relocate from Lansing to Traverse City as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Lansing vs Traverse City?
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