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Real Estate Agent Salary in Raleigh, NC β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Raleigh's cost of living (index: 105). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Real Estate Agent Salary in Raleigh β€” Key Numbers

$57,015
Median Salary
$33,684
25th Percentile
$98,028
75th Percentile
$167,181
90th Percentile
National median (Real Estate Agent)$54,300
vs. National median+5.0%
Raleigh median household income$75,200
vs. City household income-24.2%

Cost of Living in Raleigh

Cost of Living Index
105(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,131/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio23.8%
Annual rent cost$13,572
Median Home Price$380,000
Home Price / Salary6.7Γ—
20% Down Payment$76,000
Years to save (20% rate)6.7 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Raleigh

3.0%
Unemployment Rate
1,540,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
35.1
Median Age

Raleigh has a metro population of 1,540,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.0% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in Raleigh, NC?

The estimated median salary for a Real Estate Agent in Raleigh is $57,015 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $54,300 adjusted by Raleigh's cost of living index (105). The typical salary range runs from $33,684 (25th percentile) to $98,028 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $167,181.

Is Raleigh affordable for a Real Estate Agent?

On a $57,015 annual salary, a Real Estate Agent in Raleigh would spend approximately 23.8% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,131/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Raleigh relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $380,000 is 6.7Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Real Estate Agent's salary compare to Raleigh's overall income?

Raleigh's median household income is $75,200. A Real Estate Agent earning the city-adjusted median of $57,015 earns 24.2% less than the typical Raleigh household income. This may reflect that the profession is entry-level or that Raleigh has a particularly high median household income due to high-earning industries.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.