Sarasota vs Tampa: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Sarasota, FL and Tampa, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Sarasota, FL | Tampa, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,741▲ | $49,268 |
| Hourly Rate | $24.39▲ | $23.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,818▲ | $30,156 |
| 25th Percentile | $37,597▲ | $30,917 |
| 75th Percentile | $64,948 | $79,840▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,648 | $106,108▲ |
| Total Employed | 10 | 4,210▲ |
Verdict
Sarasota and Tampa are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Sarasota and Tampa is $1,473 (2.99%). Sarasota's median is -5.37% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Sarasota spans $47,830,Tampa spans $75,952. Tampa 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, Sarasota ($50,338 effective) pays 3.08% more than Tampa ($48,833 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Sarasota if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,741/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $50,338)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($106,108)
- ✓Larger job market (4,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Sarasota grew -20.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Tampa over the same period.
Sarasota, FL
$62,789 (2024) → $49,991 (2025)
Tampa, FL
$41,510 (2019) → $48,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Sarasota, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Sarasota or Tampa?
What is the hourly rate difference between Sarasota and Tampa?
Should I relocate from Sarasota to Tampa as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Sarasota vs Tampa?
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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