Raleigh vs Durham: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Raleigh, NC and Durham, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Durham, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,720 | $61,133▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.39 | $29.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,359 | $37,900▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,692 | $46,852▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $101,388 | $122,176▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,891 | $161,761▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,150▲ | 280 |
Verdict
Durham, NC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Raleigh.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Durham is $10,413 (20.53%). Durham's median is +14.01% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Raleigh spans $93,532,Durham spans $123,861. Durham 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, Durham ($62,654 effective) pays 21.25% more than Raleigh ($51,672 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Larger job market (2,150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Durham if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,133/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($161,761)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,654)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Raleigh grew 31.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 67.6% growth in Durham over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$37,930 (2019) → $49,970 (2025)
Durham, NC
$35,930 (2019) → $60,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Durham, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Raleigh or Durham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Durham?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Durham as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Raleigh vs Durham?
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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