Real Estate Agent Pay

Jersey City vs Princeton: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)

Compare real estate agent salaries between Jersey City, NJ and Princeton, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Jersey City, NJ
$106,907
$51.40/hr
Princeton, NJ
$61,111
$29.38/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricJersey City, NJPrinceton, NJ
Median Salary$106,907$61,111
Hourly Rate$51.40$29.38
Entry Level (P10)$62,218$39,031
25th Percentile$77,595$46,351
75th Percentile$136,841$78,222
Top Earner (P90)$165,706$94,722
Total Employed426
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Jersey City ($106,907) and Princeton ($61,111) real estate agent salaries.Jersey CityPrincetonMedian Salary$106,907$61,111Entry Level (P10)$62,218$39,031Top Earner (P90)$165,706$94,722US Median $53,622

Verdict

Jersey City, NJ offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Princeton.

The salary gap between Jersey City and Princeton is $45,796 (74.94%). Jersey City's median is +99.37% compared to the US national median of $53,622.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jersey City spans $103,488,Princeton spans $55,691. Jersey City has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Jersey City
P10 (Entry)$62,218
P25$77,595
Median$106,907
P75$136,841
P90 (Top)$165,706
Princeton
P10 (Entry)$39,031
P25$46,351
Median$61,111
P75$78,222
P90 (Top)$94,722

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Jersey City ($92,801 effective) pays 74.94% more than Princeton ($53,048 effective).

Jersey City
Nominal: $106,907
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $92,801
Princeton
Nominal: $61,111
CoL Index: 115.2
Adjusted: $53,048

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Jersey City if…

  • Higher median salary ($106,907/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($165,706)
  • Larger job market (42 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,801)
  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Choose Princeton if…

  • You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Jersey City grew 6.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Princeton over the same period.

Jersey City, NJ

+6.4%

$98,968 (2024) → $105,327 (2025)

Princeton, NJ

+-35.6%

$93,452 (2024) → $60,208 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays real estate agents more: Jersey City or Princeton?

Jersey City has a higher median real estate agent salary at $106,907/year, compared to Princeton at $61,111/year — a difference of $45,796 (74.94%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Jersey City and Princeton?

Jersey City real estate agents earn $51.40/hr while Princeton hygienists earn $29.38/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Jersey City to Princeton as a real estate agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Jersey City and Princeton. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Jersey City = $92,801, Princeton = $53,048), job availability (42 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Jersey City vs Princeton?

Entry-level (10th percentile) real estate agents earn $62,218 in Jersey City and $39,031 in Princeton. The Jersey City area offers higher starting salaries.
MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Chen, REALTOR®Data verified by Fatima Ali, REALTOR®

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