Mesa vs Tucson: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Mesa, AZ and Tucson, AZ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mesa, AZ | Tucson, AZ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,504▲ | $47,644 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.57▲ | $22.91 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,658▲ | $35,687 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,658▲ | $39,656 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,725 | $101,348▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,331 | $102,139▲ |
| Total Employed | 98 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Mesa and Tucson are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Mesa and Tucson is $13,860 (29.09%). Mesa's median is +14.70% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mesa spans $56,673,Tucson spans $66,452. Tucson 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, Mesa ($62,441 effective) pays 26.99% more than Tucson ($49,170 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mesa if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,504/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,441)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Choose Tucson if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($102,139)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arizona area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Mesa grew -15.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 23.2% growth in Tucson over the same period.
Mesa, AZ
$71,988 (2024) → $60,595 (2025)
Tucson, AZ
$38,110 (2019) → $46,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Mesa or Tucson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mesa and Tucson?
Should I relocate from Mesa to Tucson as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Mesa vs Tucson?
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