Raleigh vs Wilmington: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Raleigh, NC and Wilmington, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Raleigh, NC | Wilmington, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,720▲ | $42,894 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.39▲ | $20.62 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,359 | $35,292▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $38,692▲ | $36,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,388▲ | $63,417 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $121,891▲ | $77,556 |
| Total Employed | 2,150▲ | 580 |
Verdict
Raleigh, NC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wilmington.
The salary gap between Raleigh and Wilmington is $7,826 (18.24%). Raleigh's median is -5.41% 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,Wilmington spans $42,264. Raleigh has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Raleigh ($51,672 effective) pays 16.15% more than Wilmington ($44,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Raleigh if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,720/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($121,891)
- ✓Larger job market (2,150 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,672)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓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 -29.1% growth in Wilmington over the same period.
Raleigh, NC
$37,930 (2019) → $49,970 (2025)
Wilmington, NC
$59,630 (2019) → $42,260 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Raleigh, NC
Wilmington, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Raleigh or Wilmington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Raleigh and Wilmington?
Should I relocate from Raleigh to Wilmington as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Raleigh vs Wilmington?
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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