St. Louis vs Independence: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between St. Louis, MO and Independence, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | St. Louis, MO | Independence, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,182▲ | $43,174 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.21▲ | $20.76 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,571▲ | $27,735 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,996▲ | $33,079 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,268▲ | $55,263 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $114,705▲ | $66,920 |
| Total Employed | 740▲ | 30 |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Independence.
The salary gap between St. Louis and Independence is $3,008 (6.97%). St. Louis's median is -13.87% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in St. Louis spans $82,134,Independence spans $39,185. St. Louis 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, St. Louis ($48,568 effective) pays 0.79% more than Independence ($48,185 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,182/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,705)
- ✓Larger job market (740 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,568)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose Independence if…
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in St. Louis grew -11.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.8% growth in Independence over the same period.
St. Louis, MO
$51,470 (2019) → $45,500 (2025)
Independence, MO
$53,036 (2024) → $42,536 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
St. Louis, MO
Independence, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: St. Louis or Independence?
What is the hourly rate difference between St. Louis and Independence?
Should I relocate from St. Louis to Independence as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in St. Louis vs Independence?
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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