Richmond vs Roanoke: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Richmond, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Richmond, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,823▲ | $48,162 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.65▲ | $23.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,646 | $37,758▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,279▲ | $43,655 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,353▲ | $77,719 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $125,627▲ | $92,456 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 240 |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Richmond and Roanoke is $17,661 (36.67%). Richmond's median is +22.75% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Richmond spans $87,981,Roanoke spans $54,698. Richmond 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, Richmond ($67,264 effective) pays 30.75% more than Roanoke ($51,445 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,823/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,627)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,264)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Richmond grew 42.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.3% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Richmond, VA
$45,590 (2019) → $64,850 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$48,590 (2021) → $47,450 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Richmond, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Richmond or Roanoke?
What is the hourly rate difference between Richmond and Roanoke?
Should I relocate from Richmond to Roanoke as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Richmond vs Roanoke?
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