Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay in Opelika, AL: $29.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a real estate agent working in Opelika, AL runs $29.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,477 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Weighted against Opelika's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.9, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,292 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Opelika, Alabama, real estate agents can expect a median hourly pay of $29.08, which is considerably higher than the national median of $25.78. This hourly rate reflects the diverse work settings typical for agents, including brokerage offices, client property tours, showing homes, and meetings at closing tables. Those working part-time, for instance, on a three-day work week, may appreciate the flexibility that this hourly wage allows. The range for hourly earnings starts at $19.78 for entry-level agents and can go up to $45.07 for more experienced professionals in the area, indicating that there is potential for substantial earning variation based on experience and performance.
About the Opelika Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.78 | $158.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.97 | $183.76 |
| Median (P50) | $29.08 | $232.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.22 | $297.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.07 | $360.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Opelika
Based on $29.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.08/hr, a real estate agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Opelika, AL can expect to earn approximately $60,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,896. With a cost-of-living index of 87.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Opelika.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Opelika
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.19 | $5,040 | $60,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.91 | $3,024 | $36,292 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.28 | $2,016 | $24,194 |
Compare REA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent (Opelika) | $29.08 |
| Real Estate Broker (National Avg) | $42.96 |
| Insurance Sales Agent (National Avg) | $29.02 |
| Property / Real Estate Manager (National Avg) | $33.79 |
| Appraiser / Assessor of Real Estate (National Avg) | $37.18 |
Real Estate Agents in Opelika, AL earn a median of $60,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.78% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 3.40% below the Alabama state average of $62,605.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.08/hr = $36,292/year (purchasing power: $41,287).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,486/year (purchasing power: $68,812).
CoL index: 87.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Opelika (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for real estate agents in Opelika grew 8.0% from $26.54/hr (2019) to $28.65/hr (2025). At a 1.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.52/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem real estate agents can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Opelika metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Real Estate Agent in Opelika
For those contemplating a part-time approach, earning for a real estate agent working three days a week typically amounts to a significantly lower annual income compared to full-time agents. The commission-based model prevalent in the industry means that many agents operate as 1099 contractors, impacting their hourly earnings, especially in the early years of their careers. New agents often start on slim incomes, sometimes earning below minimum wage once unpaid prospecting hours are factored in. When it comes to agency structure, various brokerages—from national franchises to independent firms—affect compensation differently. While some agents may opt for lower hourly rates that include health benefits, others in team environments or specializing in luxury or commercial properties find that commissions can yield a much higher effective hourly rate, sometimes ranging from $100 to $300 for experienced agents. Thus, understanding these dynamics is crucial for real estate agents considering their earning potential in Opelika, AL, post-2024 commission structure changes.
More salary data for Opelika, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for real estate agents in Opelika. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Opelika is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov