Olympia vs Richland: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Olympia, WA and Richland, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Olympia, WA | Richland, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $83,737▲ | $75,629 |
| Hourly Rate | $40.25▲ | $36.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,258▲ | $46,970 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,823▲ | $56,582 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,075▲ | $96,805 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,814 | $117,224▲ |
| Total Employed | 180▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Olympia, WA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Richland.
The salary gap between Olympia and Richland is $8,108 (10.72%). Olympia's median is +56.16% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Olympia spans $56,556,Richland spans $70,254. Richland 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, Olympia ($80,773 effective) pays 14.70% more than Richland ($70,418 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Olympia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($83,737/year)
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $80,773)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Richland if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($117,224)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Olympia grew 33.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.3% growth in Richland over the same period.
Olympia, WA
$61,720 (2019) → $82,500 (2025)
Richland, WA
$89,004 (2024) → $74,511 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Olympia, WA
Richland, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Olympia or Richland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Olympia and Richland?
Should I relocate from Olympia to Richland as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Olympia vs Richland?
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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