Wilmington vs Winston-Salem: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Wilmington, NC and Winston-Salem, NC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wilmington, NC | Winston-Salem, NC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $42,894 | $49,915▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $20.62 | $23.99▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,292▲ | $28,951 |
| 25th Percentile | $36,631▲ | $35,938 |
| 75th Percentile | $63,417 | $63,891▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,556▲ | $77,367 |
| Total Employed | 580▲ | 59 |
Verdict
Wilmington and Winston-Salem are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Wilmington and Winston-Salem is $7,021 (16.37%). Winston-Salem's median is -6.91% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Wilmington spans $42,264,Winston-Salem spans $48,416. Winston-Salem 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, Winston-Salem ($53,328 effective) pays 19.88% more than Wilmington ($44,486 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Wilmington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,556)
- ✓Larger job market (580 employed)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Winston-Salem if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,915/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,328)
- ✓You prefer the North Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Wilmington grew -29.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -12.6% growth in Winston-Salem over the same period.
Wilmington, NC
$59,630 (2019) → $42,260 (2025)
Winston-Salem, NC
$56,263 (2024) → $49,177 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wilmington, NC
Winston-Salem, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Wilmington or Winston-Salem?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wilmington and Winston-Salem?
Should I relocate from Wilmington to Winston-Salem as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Wilmington vs Winston-Salem?
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