Los Angeles vs Santa Monica: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Monica, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Santa Monica, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,725 | $63,501▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.95 | $30.53▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,341 | $39,382▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,554 | $47,515▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,626 | $81,282▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,703▲ | $98,428 |
| Total Employed | 7,340▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Los Angeles and Santa Monica are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Santa Monica is $15,776 (33.06%). Santa Monica's median is +18.42% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Los Angeles spans $64,362,Santa Monica spans $59,046. Los Angeles 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, Santa Monica ($56,146 effective) pays 33.60% 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 Los Angeles if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,703)
- ✓Larger job market (7,340 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Monica if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($63,501/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,146)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Los Angeles grew -23.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -40.5% growth in Santa Monica over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$61,160 (2019) → $47,020 (2025)
Santa Monica, CA
$105,166 (2024) → $62,563 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Santa Monica, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Los Angeles or Santa Monica?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Santa Monica?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Santa Monica as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Los Angeles vs Santa Monica?
Related Comparisons
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