Roanoke vs Salem: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Roanoke, VA and Salem, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Salem, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,162▲ | $46,736 |
| Hourly Rate | $23.15▲ | $22.47 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,758▲ | $28,234 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,655▲ | $37,147 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,719▲ | $59,822 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,456▲ | $72,441 |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Salem is $1,426 (3.05%). Roanoke's median is -10.18% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $54,698,Salem spans $44,207. Roanoke 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, Roanoke ($51,445 effective) pays 13.60% more than Salem ($45,287 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,162/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,456)
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,445)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Roanoke grew -2.3% from 2021 to 2025, compared to -32.3% growth in Salem over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$48,590 (2021) → $47,450 (2025)
Salem, VA
$68,041 (2024) → $46,045 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Roanoke or Salem?
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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