Lexington vs Owensboro: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Lexington, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,292▲ | $48,276 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.07▲ | $23.21 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,946▲ | $29,791 |
| 25th Percentile | $39,463▲ | $35,975 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,181▲ | $61,794 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $98,201▲ | $74,829 |
| Total Employed | 200▲ | 14 |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Owensboro.
The salary gap between Lexington and Owensboro is $8,016 (16.60%). Lexington's median is +4.98% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $63,255,Owensboro spans $45,038. Lexington 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, Lexington ($60,601 effective) pays 12.10% more than Owensboro ($54,060 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,292/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($98,201)
- ✓Larger job market (200 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,601)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Lexington grew 47.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 10.7% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$37,530 (2019) → $55,460 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$42,970 (2019) → $47,563 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Lexington or Owensboro?
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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