Cortland vs Rochester: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Cortland, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cortland, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,535 | $89,635▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $39.68 | $43.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,757▲ | $46,446 |
| 25th Percentile | $64,580 | $87,929▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $105,644 | $111,782▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $127,929 | $201,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cortland.
The salary gap between Cortland and Rochester is $7,100 (8.60%). Rochester's median is +67.16% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Cortland spans $72,172,Rochester spans $154,798. Rochester has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($92,374 effective) pays 29.72% more than Cortland ($71,212 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cortland if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,635/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,244)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,374)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Cortland grew -19.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Cortland, NY
$101,383 (2024) → $81,315 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$73,100 (2019) → $88,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cortland, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Cortland or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cortland and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Cortland to Rochester as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Cortland vs Rochester?
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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