Bristol vs Richmond: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Bristol, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bristol, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,459 | $65,823▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.29 | $31.65▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,196 | $37,646▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,524 | $47,279▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,028 | $102,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,112 | $125,627▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | N/A |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bristol.
The salary gap between Bristol and Richmond is $17,364 (35.83%). Richmond's median is +22.75% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bristol spans $42,916,Richmond spans $87,981. Richmond 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, Richmond ($67,264 effective) pays 43.25% more than Bristol ($46,956 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bristol if…
- ✓Larger job market (6 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,823/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($125,627)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,264)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Bristol grew -29.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.2% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Bristol, VA
$67,483 (2024) → $47,743 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$45,590 (2019) → $64,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bristol, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Bristol or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bristol and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Bristol to Richmond as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Bristol vs Richmond?
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