Albany vs Elmira: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Albany, NY and Elmira, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Albany, NY | Elmira, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $74,663 | $84,842▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.90 | $40.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,076 | $55,016▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,497 | $64,962▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $118,522▲ | $108,598 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $142,151▲ | $131,504 |
| Total Employed | 160▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Albany and Elmira are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Albany and Elmira is $10,179 (13.63%). Elmira's median is +58.22% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Albany spans $97,075,Elmira spans $76,488. Albany 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, Albany ($74,988 effective) pays 2.44% more than Elmira ($73,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Albany if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($142,151)
- ✓Larger job market (160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,988)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Elmira if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,842/year)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Albany grew 44.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.8% growth in Elmira over the same period.
Albany, NY
$50,890 (2019) → $73,560 (2025)
Elmira, NY
$104,217 (2024) → $83,588 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Albany, NY
Elmira, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Albany or Elmira?
What is the hourly rate difference between Albany and Elmira?
Should I relocate from Albany to Elmira as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Albany vs Elmira?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% 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 Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov