Pendleton vs Salem: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Pendleton, OR and Salem, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Pendleton, OR | Salem, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,312 | $62,575▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.00 | $30.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,899▲ | $34,723 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,625▲ | $39,362 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,200 | $77,850▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,485 | $111,630▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 260▲ |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pendleton.
The salary gap between Pendleton and Salem is $2,263 (3.75%). Salem's median is +16.70% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pendleton spans $53,586,Salem spans $76,907. Salem 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, Salem ($60,372 effective) pays 2.70% more than Pendleton ($58,784 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Pendleton if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,575/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($111,630)
- ✓Larger job market (260 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,372)
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Pendleton grew -11.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -11.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Pendleton, OR
$67,022 (2024) → $59,421 (2025)
Salem, OR
$69,510 (2019) → $61,650 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Pendleton, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Pendleton or Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Pendleton and Salem?
Should I relocate from Pendleton to Salem as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Pendleton vs Salem?
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