Atlantic City vs Paterson: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Atlantic City, NJ and Paterson, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Atlantic City, NJ | Paterson, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,773 | $61,729▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.73 | $29.68▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $53,145▲ | $39,384 |
| 25th Percentile | $53,145▲ | $47,090 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,615 | $79,014▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $119,760▲ | $95,680 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 31 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Atlantic City.
The salary gap between Atlantic City and Paterson is $1,956 (3.27%). Paterson's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Atlantic City spans $66,615,Paterson spans $56,296. Atlantic City 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, Atlantic City ($60,464 effective) pays 12.84% more than Paterson ($53,584 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Atlantic City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($119,760)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,464)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,729/year)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Atlantic City grew 23.8% from 2022 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Paterson over the same period.
Atlantic City, NJ
$47,560 (2022) → $58,890 (2025)
Paterson, NJ
$94,397 (2024) → $60,817 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Atlantic City, NJ
Paterson, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Atlantic City or Paterson?
What is the hourly rate difference between Atlantic City and Paterson?
Should I relocate from Atlantic City to Paterson as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Atlantic City vs Paterson?
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