Tempe vs Tucson: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Tempe, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tempe, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,262▲ | $47,644 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.01▲ | $22.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,618▲ | $35,687 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,783▲ | $39,656 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,575 | $101,348▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,307 | $102,139▲ |
| Total Employed | 43 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Tempe and Tucson are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Tempe and Tucson is $10,618 (22.29%). Tempe's median is +8.65% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tempe spans $52,689,Tucson spans $66,452. Tucson 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, Tempe ($59,149 effective) pays 20.29% more than Tucson ($49,170 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tempe if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,262/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,149)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,139)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Tempe grew -14.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Tempe, AZ
$67,263 (2024) → $57,401 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$38,110 (2019) → $46,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Tempe or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tempe and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Tempe to Tucson as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Tempe vs Tucson?
Related Comparisons
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