Lincoln vs Papillion: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Lincoln, NE and Papillion, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lincoln, NE | Papillion, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,860▲ | $45,638 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.30▲ | $21.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,776▲ | $31,608 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,776▲ | $36,275 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,931▲ | $58,417 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,244▲ | $70,739 |
| Total Employed | 290▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Papillion.
The salary gap between Lincoln and Papillion is $13,222 (28.97%). Lincoln's median is +9.77% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lincoln spans $42,468,Papillion spans $39,131. Lincoln 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, Lincoln ($64,271 effective) pays 28.86% more than Papillion ($49,878 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,860/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,244)
- ✓Larger job market (290 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,271)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Papillion if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Lincoln grew 53.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -14.8% growth in Papillion over the same period.
Lincoln, NE
$37,680 (2019) → $57,990 (2025)
Papillion, NE
$52,769 (2024) → $44,964 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lincoln, NE
Papillion, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Lincoln or Papillion?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lincoln and Papillion?
Should I relocate from Lincoln to Papillion as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Lincoln vs Papillion?
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