Real Estate Agent Salary in Independence, MO: $43,174 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Independence, MO earns a median $43,174/year (≈ $20.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Independence's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $48,185 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.1% above the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Real estate agents in Independence, MO, can expect a median annual salary of $43,174 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median salary of $53,622. The local salary range reflects the variability in agent experiences and structures, with the lowest earners making $27,735 and the highest realizing $66,920. These amounts are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and regional cost adjustments, indicative of the local market conditions. The choice between being a solo agent, joining a team, or working as a commercial broker can greatly influence earnings based on transaction volumes, commission splits, and overall business models prevalent in the area. As the Independence real estate market evolves, understanding these dynamics is essential for agents aiming to maximize their income potential.
About the Independence Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27,735 | $13.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,079 | $15.91 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $43,174 | $20.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $55,263 | $26.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66,920 | $32.18 |
Median Salary Position
19.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Independence
In Independence, MO, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,185 (2026 est.). At $43,174, the local median is 19.48% 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: $43,174/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Independence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $42,286 | +2.10% more |
| National Average | $53,622 | -19.48% less |
Real Estate Agents in Independence, MO earn a median of $43,174 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.48% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 2.10% above the Missouri state average of $42,286.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Independence has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Independence, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $43,174 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $48,185 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,396
2025 BLS Actual
$42,536
2026 Current Est.
$43,174
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 | $39,396 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,484 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,921 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,241 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,720 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,036 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,536 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $43,174 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,822 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Independence metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $39,396 (2019) to $42,536 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $43,822 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,426 (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) | $27,735 – $33,079 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,079 – $43,174 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $43,174 – $55,263 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $55,263 – $66,920 |
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
Considering the local job market, there are currently 30 real estate agents employed in Independence, which suggests a tightly-knit professional community. The cost of living index at 89.6 indicates that agents may have a better purchasing power than in many other parts of the country, making real estate agent pay in Independence, MO, relatively more manageable. Among the key employers, national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX generally offer higher pay compared to local firms. The spread between the highest and lowest earners can be attributed to variations in commission structures, with many agents operating as 1099 independent contractors. This arrangement, combined with the changes implemented by the 2024 NAR settlement regarding buyer agent commissions, can significantly affect overall earnings. To enhance earning potential, aspiring agents should consider specializing in high-quality transactions, focusing on building a strong referral network, and deciding between a team structure or maintaining a solo practice to optimize their commission splits.
More salary data for Independence, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 $42,536 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