Real Estate Agent Salary in Independence, KY: $47,505 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Independence, KY earns a median $47,505/year (≈ $22.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Independence's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 89.3), that paycheck buys what $53,197 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Kentucky state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, real estate agents in Independence, Kentucky, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $47,505, which represents a notable decrease of 11.41% compared to the national median of $53,622. Salary variability is significant, with individuals at the lower end of the spectrum earning around $30,567, while those at the higher end can make up to $73,633 annually. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, incorporating local cost-of-living adjustments in Independence, where the cost of living index is 89.3. The job market for real estate agents in this city is shaped by the recent changes following the post-2024 NAR settlement, which has altered commission structures across the industry and may create a range of earning potentials based on transaction volume and local market dynamics.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,567 | $14.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,198 | $17.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $47,505 | $22.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,807 | $29.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,633 | $35.40 |
Median Salary Position
11.41% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, KY, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,066 (2026 est.). At $47,505, the local median is 11.41% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Independence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Independence Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Independence median: $47,505/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky Average | $47,888 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -11.41% less |
Real Estate Agents in Independence, KY earn a median of $47,505 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.41% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 0.80% below the Kentucky state average of $47,888.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, KY has a cost-of-living index of 89.3 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $47,505 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,197 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.98% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,348
2025 BLS Actual
$46,803
2026 Current Est.
$47,505
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Independence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,348 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,445 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,825 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,278 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,105 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,068 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,505 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,218 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $43,348 (2019) to $46,803 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,218 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,870 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Independence 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $30,567 – $36,198 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,198 – $47,505 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $47,505 – $60,807 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,807 – $73,633 |
REA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual real estate agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Real Estate Agent Job Market in Independence
In Independence, only five real estate agents are currently employed, reflecting a modest job market yet indicating a niche for growth as the area adapts to new commission models. The local cost-of-living index of 89.3 suggests that purchasing power and overall living standards may differ from national averages, impacting how much real estate agent pay in Independence KY translates to quality of life. National franchise brokerages, like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, generally offer higher pay structures compared to independent firms, largely influenced by their brand recognition and resource backing. Aspiring agents should focus on volume transactions, team affiliations, and cultivating a robust referral network to maximize earnings. In a market adjusting to the new commission landscape, strategies to enhance client relationships and increase sales will be essential for achieving sustainable income as a real estate professional in Independence.
More salary data for Independence, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can real estate agents make $100K in 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $46,803 for real estate agentsin the Independence metropolitan area. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Independence 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