Bluffton vs Columbia: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Bluffton, SC and Columbia, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bluffton, SC | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,490▲ | $50,222 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.77▲ | $24.15 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $50,257▲ | $28,329 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,052▲ | $38,194 |
| 75th Percentile | $97,908▲ | $69,619 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $118,560▲ | $101,551 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Bluffton, SC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Bluffton and Columbia is $26,268 (52.30%). Bluffton's median is +42.65% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bluffton spans $68,303,Columbia spans $73,222. Columbia 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, Bluffton ($83,596 effective) pays 55.90% more than Columbia ($53,620 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bluffton if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,490/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($118,560)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $83,596)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bluffton grew 49.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 12.4% growth in Columbia over the same period.
Bluffton, SC
$50,500 (2024) → $75,360 (2025)
Columbia, SC
$44,030 (2019) → $49,480 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bluffton, SC
Columbia, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Bluffton or Columbia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bluffton and Columbia?
Should I relocate from Bluffton to Columbia as a real estate agent?
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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