Manchester vs Waterbury: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Manchester, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Manchester, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,350▲ | $57,813 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.05▲ | $27.79 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,799 | $36,820▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,504 | $44,097▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,689▲ | $74,002 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,443▲ | $89,610 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 22▲ |
Verdict
Manchester, CT offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Waterbury.
The salary gap between Manchester and Waterbury is $537 (0.93%). Manchester's median is +8.82% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Manchester spans $54,644,Waterbury spans $52,790. Manchester 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, Manchester ($54,078 effective) pays 0.93% more than Waterbury ($53,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Manchester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,350/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,443)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,078)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Manchester grew -32.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 55.0% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Manchester, CT
$84,877 (2024) → $57,488 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$36,740 (2020) → $56,959 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Manchester, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Manchester or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Manchester and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Manchester to Waterbury as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Manchester vs Waterbury?
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