Seattle vs Bellingham: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Seattle, WA and Bellingham, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Seattle, WA | Bellingham, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $81,190▲ | $73,090 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.04▲ | $35.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,050▲ | $48,527 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,025▲ | $59,073 |
| 75th Percentile | $105,205▲ | $99,714 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,801 | $115,872▲ |
| Total Employed | 3,790▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bellingham.
The salary gap between Seattle and Bellingham is $8,100 (11.08%). Seattle's median is +51.41% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Seattle spans $65,751,Bellingham spans $67,345. Bellingham 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, Seattle ($73,057 effective) pays 3.29% more than Bellingham ($70,732 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Seattle if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($81,190/year)
- ✓Larger job market (3,790 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,057)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Bellingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,872)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Seattle grew 32.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 46.1% growth in Bellingham over the same period.
Seattle, WA
$60,430 (2019) → $79,990 (2025)
Bellingham, WA
$49,280 (2019) → $72,010 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Seattle, WA
Bellingham, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Seattle or Bellingham?
What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and Bellingham?
Should I relocate from Seattle to Bellingham as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Seattle vs Bellingham?
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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