Steamboat Springs vs Thornton: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Steamboat Springs, CO and Thornton, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Steamboat Springs, CO | Thornton, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $53,093 | $57,188▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $25.53 | $27.50▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,481▲ | $33,457 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,094▲ | $41,332 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,958 | $73,201▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,293 | $88,642▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Thornton, CO offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Steamboat Springs.
The salary gap between Steamboat Springs and Thornton is $4,095 (7.71%). Thornton's median is +6.65% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Steamboat Springs spans $48,812,Thornton spans $55,185. Thornton 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, Thornton ($54,465 effective) pays 7.71% more than Steamboat Springs ($50,565 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Steamboat Springs if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Thornton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,188/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,642)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,465)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Steamboat Springs grew -32.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -32.3% growth in Thornton over the same period.
Steamboat Springs, CO
$77,229 (2024) → $52,308 (2025)
Thornton, CO
$83,186 (2024) → $56,343 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Steamboat Springs, CO
Thornton, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Steamboat Springs or Thornton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Steamboat Springs and Thornton?
Should I relocate from Steamboat Springs to Thornton as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Steamboat Springs vs Thornton?
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