Real Estate Agent Salary in Ruston, LA: $44,830 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Ruston, LA earns a median $44,830/year (≈ $21.55/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $49,646 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average real estate agent salary in Ruston is projected to be $44,830, signaling a notable difference of approximately 16.40% below the national median of $53,622. The compensation range highlights variability among agents, from $29,784 at the lower percentiles to $69,486 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. These figures are derived from state-level data and reflect regional cost adjustments, painting an essential picture for those considering careers in real estate within this Louisiana market. The choice between working in teams, as opposed to operating as solo agents or shifting towards commercial brokerages, influences income potential and job dynamics, especially given the competitive nature of the field.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,784 | $14.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34,713 | $16.69 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,830 | $21.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,382 | $27.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,486 | $33.40 |
Median Salary Position
16.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,702 (2026 est.). At $44,830, the local median is 16.4% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ruston Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Ruston median: $44,830/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $46,600 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -16.40% less |
Real Estate Agents in Ruston, LA earn a median of $44,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.40% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $46,600.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $44,830 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $49,646 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,907
2025 BLS Actual
$44,167
2026 Current Est.
$44,830
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,907 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,998 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,413 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,784 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,759 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,830 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,502 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $40,907 (2019) to $44,167 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,502 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,595 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $29,784 – $34,713 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $34,713 – $44,830 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,830 – $57,382 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,382 – $69,486 |
REA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual real estate agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Real Estate Agent Job Market in Ruston
Analyzing the local job climate, Ruston has a modest group of only four employed real estate agents, indicating a niche market for real estate professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 90.3, agents in Ruston experience heightened purchasing power relative to national averages, benefiting their take-home pay despite the lower overall salary figures. National franchise brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX typically offer higher salaries compared to local independent firms, partly due to the robust support systems and broader referral networks they can provide. Additionally, high variance in agent income often results from factors like commission structure and market specialties; agents focusing on luxury and commercial properties frequently see better compensation compared to those engaged in standard residential sales. Strategies for maximizing pay in Ruston include leveraging referrals, aligning with successful teams, and adapting to the evolving compensation models in the wake of changes from the 2024 NAR settlement that affect commission structures.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,167 for real estate agentsin the Ruston metropolitan area. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ruston is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov