Real Estate Agent Salary in Salem, VA: $46,736 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Salem, VA earns a median $46,736/year (≈ $22.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Salem's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $45,287 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, real estate agents in Salem, Virginia, can expect a median annual salary of $46,736, which falls significantly below the national median of $53,622. The salary range for real estate agents in Salem varies widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $28,234 and more experienced agents earning up to $72,441. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price variations. The structural choices agents make—deciding between joining a team, operating solo, or collaborating with a commercial broker—can greatly influence their earning potential. In Salem's competitive market, agents who leverage team dynamics and higher commission splits may find themselves faring better, tapping into larger transaction volumes.
About the Salem Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,234 | $13.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,147 | $17.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,736 | $22.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,822 | $28.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $72,441 | $34.82 |
Median Salary Position
12.84% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salem
In Salem, VA, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,207 (2026 est.). At $46,736, the local median is 12.84% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salem: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salem Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Salem median: $46,736/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salem Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $48,181 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -12.84% less |
Real Estate Agents in Salem, VA earn a median of $46,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.84% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 3.00% below the Virginia state average of $48,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salem has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Salem, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $46,736 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $45,287 — a 3.1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$42,646
2025 BLS Actual
$46,045
2026 Current Est.
$46,736
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Salem (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,646 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,742 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,132 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,561 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,326 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,041 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,045 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,736 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,437 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salem metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $42,646 (2019) to $46,045 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,437 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,791 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salem 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) | $28,234 – $37,147 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,147 – $46,736 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,736 – $59,822 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,822 – $72,441 |
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 Salem
Among the six real estate agents currently employed in Salem, the local job market reflects a growing albeit limited pool. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 103.2, it’s crucial for agents to consider how much they can comfortably take home after expenses. National franchise brokerages like Keller Williams or RE/MAX typically offer higher pay and better resources, which can drive earnings up compared to local independents or discount firms. Variation in earnings here arises from factors like transaction volume, average sale price, and commission structures influenced by the post-2024 NAR settlement. For agents aiming to maximize pay in Salem, focusing on joining established team-based operations, aligning with lucrative transaction types, and maintaining an active referral network are essential strategies.
More salary data for Salem, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do real estate agents make in Salem, VA in 2026?
Is Salem, VA a good place to work as a real estate agent?
Can real estate agents make $100K in Salem?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted real estate agent salary in Salem?
How much does a real estate agent make per hour in Salem?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 $46,045 for real estate agentsin the Salem 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 Salem 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