Birmingham vs Opelika: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Birmingham, AL and Opelika, AL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Birmingham, AL | Opelika, AL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,774 | $60,477▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.78 | $29.08▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,216 | $41,140▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,453 | $47,774▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $79,282▲ | $77,410 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,046▲ | $93,739 |
| Total Employed | 500▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Birmingham and Opelika are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Birmingham and Opelika is $2,703 (4.68%). Opelika's median is +12.78% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Birmingham spans $75,830,Opelika spans $52,599. Birmingham has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Opelika ($68,802 effective) pays 9.14% more than Birmingham ($63,042 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Birmingham if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($110,046)
- ✓Larger job market (500 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Choose Opelika if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,477/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,802)
- ✓You prefer the Alabama area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Birmingham grew 7.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 35.0% growth in Opelika over the same period.
Birmingham, AL
$52,890 (2019) → $56,920 (2025)
Opelika, AL
$44,147 (2024) → $59,583 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Birmingham, AL
Opelika, AL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Birmingham or Opelika?
What is the hourly rate difference between Birmingham and Opelika?
Should I relocate from Birmingham to Opelika as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Birmingham vs Opelika?
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