Madison vs Tuscaloosa: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Madison, AL and Tuscaloosa, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Madison, AL | Tuscaloosa, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,049 | $62,697▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.35 | $30.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,284▲ | $35,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,700▲ | $46,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,143 | $87,645▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,626 | $109,021▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 70▲ |
Verdict
Tuscaloosa, AL offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Madison.
The salary gap between Madison and Tuscaloosa is $1,648 (2.70%). Tuscaloosa's median is +16.92% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Madison spans $55,342,Tuscaloosa spans $73,080. Tuscaloosa 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, Tuscaloosa ($71,472 effective) pays 2.91% more than Madison ($69,453 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Madison if…
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Tuscaloosa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,697/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,021)
- ✓Larger job market (70 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $71,472)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Madison grew 35.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.1% growth in Tuscaloosa over the same period.
Madison, AL
$44,565 (2024) → $60,147 (2025)
Tuscaloosa, AL
$47,130 (2019) → $61,770 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Madison, AL
Tuscaloosa, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Madison or Tuscaloosa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Madison and Tuscaloosa?
Should I relocate from Madison to Tuscaloosa as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Madison vs Tuscaloosa?
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