Real Estate Agent Pay

Memphis vs Shelbyville: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)

Compare real estate agent salaries between Memphis, TN and Shelbyville, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$47,187
$22.69/hr
Shelbyville, TN
$45,163
$21.71/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNShelbyville, TN
Median Salary$47,187$45,163
Hourly Rate$22.69$21.71
Entry Level (P10)$31,160$29,637
25th Percentile$35,657$34,704
75th Percentile$77,972$57,809
Top Earner (P90)$106,534$70,004
Total Employed4704
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($47,187) and Shelbyville ($45,163) real estate agent salaries.MemphisShelbyvilleMedian Salary$47,187$45,163Entry Level (P10)$31,160$29,637Top Earner (P90)$106,534$70,004US Median $53,622

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.

The salary gap between Memphis and Shelbyville is $2,024 (4.48%). Memphis's median is -12.00% compared to the US national median of $53,622.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $75,374,Shelbyville spans $40,367. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$31,160
P25$35,657
Median$47,187
P75$77,972
P90 (Top)$106,534
Shelbyville
P10 (Entry)$29,637
P25$34,704
Median$45,163
P75$57,809
P90 (Top)$70,004

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($51,191 effective) pays 4.05% more than Shelbyville ($49,197 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $47,187
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $51,191
Shelbyville
Nominal: $45,163
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $49,197

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($47,187/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($106,534)
  • Larger job market (470 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,191)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Shelbyville if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Memphis grew -14.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.7% growth in Shelbyville over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+-14.9%

$54,610 (2019) → $46,490 (2025)

Shelbyville, TN

+-12.7%

$50,960 (2024) → $44,496 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays real estate agents more: Memphis or Shelbyville?

Memphis has a higher median real estate agent salary at $47,187/year, compared to Shelbyville at $45,163/year — a difference of $2,024 (4.48%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Shelbyville?

Memphis real estate agents earn $22.69/hr while Shelbyville hygienists earn $21.71/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Shelbyville as a real estate agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Shelbyville. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $51,191, Shelbyville = $49,197), job availability (470 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Memphis vs Shelbyville?

Entry-level (10th percentile) real estate agents earn $31,160 in Memphis and $29,637 in Shelbyville. The Memphis 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