Houston vs San Marcos: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Houston, TX and San Marcos, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houston, TX | San Marcos, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,133 | $53,909▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.14 | $25.92▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,344▲ | $32,144 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,788 | $40,206▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $94,929▲ | $69,004 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $132,111▲ | $83,560 |
| Total Employed | 8,000▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Houston and San Marcos are closely matched on overall insurance agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Houston and San Marcos is $5,776 (12.00%). San Marcos's median is -16.45% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houston spans $99,767,San Marcos spans $51,416. Houston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, San Marcos ($56,155 effective) pays 15.07% more than Houston ($48,802 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houston if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($132,111)
- ✓Larger job market (8,000 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Marcos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,909/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,155)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Houston grew -3.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -17.7% growth in San Marcos over the same period.
Houston, TX
$48,170 (2019) → $46,460 (2025)
San Marcos, TX
$63,217 (2024) → $52,036 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Houston, TX
San Marcos, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Houston or San Marcos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Houston and San Marcos?
Should I relocate from Houston to San Marcos as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Houston vs San Marcos?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov