Lancaster vs Philadelphia: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Lancaster, PA and Philadelphia, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lancaster, PA | Philadelphia, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,825▲ | $55,531 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.84▲ | $26.69 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,931▲ | $31,049 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,750▲ | $39,291 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,561▲ | $77,262 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,902 | $105,712▲ |
| Total Employed | 250 | 2,780▲ |
Verdict
Lancaster and Philadelphia are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lancaster and Philadelphia is $294 (0.53%). Lancaster's median is +4.11% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lancaster spans $60,971,Philadelphia spans $74,663. Philadelphia 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, Lancaster ($56,815 effective) pays 4.93% more than Philadelphia ($54,148 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lancaster if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,825/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,815)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,712)
- ✓Larger job market (2,780 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Lancaster grew -5.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 21.9% growth in Philadelphia over the same period.
Lancaster, PA
$58,400 (2019) → $55,000 (2025)
Philadelphia, PA
$44,880 (2019) → $54,710 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lancaster, PA
Philadelphia, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Lancaster or Philadelphia?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lancaster and Philadelphia?
Should I relocate from Lancaster to Philadelphia as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Lancaster vs Philadelphia?
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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