Salem vs Tualatin: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Salem, OR and Tualatin, OR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, OR | Tualatin, OR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,575▲ | $60,317 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.08▲ | $29.00 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,723 | $40,507▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,362 | $47,260▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,850▲ | $77,206 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $111,630▲ | $93,492 |
| Total Employed | 260▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Salem, OR offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tualatin.
The salary gap between Salem and Tualatin is $2,258 (3.74%). 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 Salem spans $76,907,Tualatin spans $52,985. Salem 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, Salem ($60,372 effective) pays 2.69% more than Tualatin ($58,788 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Tualatin if…
- ✓You prefer the Oregon area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Salem grew -11.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -11.3% growth in Tualatin over the same period.
Salem, OR
$69,510 (2019) → $61,650 (2025)
Tualatin, OR
$67,028 (2024) → $59,426 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tualatin, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Salem or Tualatin?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Tualatin?
Should I relocate from Salem to Tualatin as a real estate agent?
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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