Find a Job You Really Want In
As you embark on your career as a real estate agent or consider a career transition, knowing which cities present the best opportunities for success is crucial. Real estate is a dynamic profession, and regional factors can significantly influence your salary and job prospects. In 2026, understanding the landscape of real estate opportunities can give you a competitive edge.
To assist you in making informed decisions, we at Zippia analyzed various cities across the United States to identify where real estate agents can thrive. Our research focuses on locations that not only offer competitive salaries but also a favorable cost of living and abundant job opportunities.
Using data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list of the top cities for real estate agents in 2026. Here’s what we found:
- Walla Walla, WA
- Midland, TX
- Beaumont, TX
- Hilton Head Island, SC
- Olympia, WA
- Austin, TX
- Greeley, CO
- Barnstable Town, MA
- Pittsburgh, PA
- Bellingham, WA
In summary, Walla Walla emerges as the top city for real estate agents in 2026, offering a supportive environment for career growth.
Conversely, real estate professionals might want to steer clear of Laredo, TX, due to less favorable conditions for career advancement.
How We Determined the Best Cities for Realtors
At Zippia, we engage with diverse job seekers to understand their needs. Our research highlights two primary factors that job seekers prioritize:
- Job availability
- Compensation
To uncover the best cities for real estate agents, we analyzed where jobs are concentrated and how competitive salaries are. Our evaluation was based on the following criteria sourced from the BLS:
- Location quotient: Indicates the prevalence of real estate jobs in a city.
- Average annual salary: The typical earnings for real estate agents in that area.
- Average entry-level salary: The starting pay for new real estate professionals.
We adjusted salary figures to account for the cost of living in each state, ensuring a fair comparison across various locations. This analysis covered 266 metropolitan areas, with each city ranked based on its performance in these categories. The city with the best overall score earned the title of the best place for real estate agents in America.
Detailed List of the Best Cities for Realtors
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Walla Walla, WA | $83,870 |
| 2 | Midland, TX | $90,280 |
| 3 | Beaumont, TX | $76,360 |
| 4 | Hilton Head Island, SC | $62,020 |
| 5 | Olympia, WA | $68,160 |
| 6 | Austin, TX | $76,520 |
| 7 | Greeley, CO | $170,360 |
| 8 | Barnstable Town, MA | $89,640 |
| 9 | Pittsburgh, PA | $68,170 |
| 10 | Bellingham, WA | $70,140 |
For aspiring real estate agents, these cities represent the best opportunities in 2026, combining high salaries, job availability, and the potential for career growth. Conversely, if you’re considering where to avoid starting your career, think twice about Laredo, TX, and a few other less favorable markets.
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
