Real Estate Agent Pay

Seattle vs University Place: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)

Compare real estate agent salaries between Seattle, WA and University Place, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Seattle, WA
$81,190
$39.04/hr
University Place, WA
$72,927
$35.06/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricSeattle, WAUniversity Place, WA
Median Salary$81,190$72,927
Hourly Rate$39.04$35.06
Entry Level (P10)$50,050$45,510
25th Percentile$70,025$54,524
75th Percentile$105,205$93,347
Top Earner (P90)$115,801$113,036
Total Employed3,7906
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Seattle ($81,190) and University Place ($72,927) real estate agent salaries.SeattleUniversity PlaceMedian Salary$81,190$72,927Entry Level (P10)$50,050$45,510Top Earner (P90)$115,801$113,036US Median $53,622

Verdict

Seattle, WA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to University Place.

The salary gap between Seattle and University Place is $8,263 (11.33%). 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,University Place spans $67,526. University Place has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.

Seattle
P10 (Entry)$50,050
P25$70,025
Median$81,190
P75$105,205
P90 (Top)$115,801
University Place
P10 (Entry)$45,510
P25$54,524
Median$72,927
P75$93,347
P90 (Top)$113,036

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Seattle ($73,057 effective) pays 7.59% more than University Place ($67,902 effective).

Seattle
Nominal: $81,190
CoL Index: 111.133
Adjusted: $73,057
University Place
Nominal: $72,927
CoL Index: 107.4
Adjusted: $67,902

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)
  • Better top-earner potential ($115,801)
  • Larger job market (3,790 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $73,057)
  • You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle

Choose University Place if…

  • 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 -16.8% growth in University Place over the same period.

Seattle, WA

+32.4%

$60,430 (2019) → $79,990 (2025)

University Place, WA

+-16.8%

$86,366 (2024) → $71,849 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays real estate agents more: Seattle or University Place?

Seattle has a higher median real estate agent salary at $81,190/year, compared to University Place at $72,927/year — a difference of $8,263 (11.33%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Seattle and University Place?

Seattle real estate agents earn $39.04/hr while University Place hygienists earn $35.06/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Seattle to University Place as a real estate agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Seattle and University Place. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Seattle = $73,057, University Place = $67,902), job availability (3,790 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Seattle vs University Place?

Entry-level (10th percentile) real estate agents earn $50,050 in Seattle and $45,510 in University Place. The Seattle area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Chen, REALTOR®Data verified by Fatima Ali, REALTOR®

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