Real Estate Agent Pay

Lincoln vs Norfolk: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)

Compare real estate agent salaries between Lincoln, NE and Norfolk, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lincoln, NE
$58,860
$28.30/hr
Norfolk, NE
$45,694
$21.96/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLincoln, NENorfolk, NE
Median Salary$58,860$45,694
Hourly Rate$28.30$21.96
Entry Level (P10)$47,776$31,541
25th Percentile$47,776$36,388
75th Percentile$81,931$58,488
Top Earner (P90)$90,244$70,826
Total Employed2906
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lincoln ($58,860) and Norfolk ($45,694) real estate agent salaries.LincolnNorfolkMedian Salary$58,860$45,694Entry Level (P10)$47,776$31,541Top Earner (P90)$90,244$70,826US Median $53,622

Verdict

Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Norfolk.

The salary gap between Lincoln and Norfolk is $13,166 (28.81%). Lincoln's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $53,622.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $42,468,Norfolk spans $39,285. Lincoln has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Lincoln
P10 (Entry)$47,776
P25$47,776
Median$58,860
P75$81,931
P90 (Top)$90,244
Norfolk
P10 (Entry)$31,541
P25$36,388
Median$45,694
P75$58,488
P90 (Top)$70,826

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Lincoln ($64,271 effective) pays 28.70% more than Norfolk ($49,939 effective).

Lincoln
Nominal: $58,860
CoL Index: 91.581
Adjusted: $64,271
Norfolk
Nominal: $45,694
CoL Index: 91.5
Adjusted: $49,939

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lincoln if…

  • Higher median salary ($58,860/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($90,244)
  • Larger job market (290 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,271)
  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Choose Norfolk if…

  • You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Lincoln grew 53.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.8% growth in Norfolk over the same period.

Lincoln, NE

+53.9%

$37,680 (2019) → $57,990 (2025)

Norfolk, NE

+-14.8%

$52,833 (2024) → $45,019 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays real estate agents more: Lincoln or Norfolk?

Lincoln has a higher median real estate agent salary at $58,860/year, compared to Norfolk at $45,694/year — a difference of $13,166 (28.81%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Norfolk?

Lincoln real estate agents earn $28.30/hr while Norfolk hygienists earn $21.96/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lincoln to Norfolk as a real estate agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lincoln and Norfolk. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lincoln = $64,271, Norfolk = $49,939), job availability (290 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Lincoln vs Norfolk?

Entry-level (10th percentile) real estate agents earn $47,776 in Lincoln and $31,541 in Norfolk. The Lincoln area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Chen, REALTOR®Data verified by Fatima Ali, REALTOR®

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