Charleston vs Lexington: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Charleston, SC and Lexington, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Charleston, SC | Lexington, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,012▲ | $46,344 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.33▲ | $22.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,590▲ | $29,156 |
| 25th Percentile | $52,313▲ | $34,844 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,240▲ | $59,321 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,011▲ | $71,833 |
| Total Employed | 1,350▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lexington.
The salary gap between Charleston and Lexington is $14,668 (31.65%). Charleston's median is +13.78% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Charleston spans $89,421,Lexington spans $42,677. Charleston 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, Charleston ($60,431 effective) pays 19.31% more than Lexington ($50,649 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,012/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($130,011)
- ✓Larger job market (1,350 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,431)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Charleston grew 52.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.9% growth in Lexington over the same period.
Charleston, SC
$39,480 (2019) → $60,110 (2025)
Lexington, SC
$50,127 (2024) → $45,659 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Charleston, SC
Lexington, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Charleston or Lexington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Charleston and Lexington?
Should I relocate from Charleston to Lexington as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Charleston vs Lexington?
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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
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