Ithaca vs Rochester: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Ithaca, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Ithaca, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $88,319 | $89,635▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.46 | $43.10▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,815▲ | $46,446 |
| 25th Percentile | $66,548 | $87,929▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $113,049▲ | $111,782 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $136,895 | $201,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 270▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Ithaca.
The salary gap between Ithaca and Rochester is $1,316 (1.49%). 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 Ithaca spans $81,080,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 21.22% more than Ithaca ($76,203 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Ithaca 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 Ithaca grew -19.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Ithaca, NY
$108,489 (2024) → $87,014 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$73,100 (2019) → $88,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Ithaca, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Ithaca or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Ithaca and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Ithaca to Rochester as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Ithaca vs Rochester?
Related Comparisons
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