New York vs Rochester: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between New York, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | New York, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,103▲ | $89,635 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.53▲ | $43.10 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,075▲ | $46,446 |
| 25th Percentile | $63,945 | $87,929▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $159,162▲ | $111,782 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $182,192 | $201,244▲ |
| Total Employed | 8,320▲ | 270 |
Verdict
New York, NY offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rochester.
The salary gap between New York and Rochester is $15,468 (17.26%). New York's median is +96.01% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in New York spans $133,117,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, New York ($93,373 effective) pays 1.08% more than Rochester ($92,374 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose New York if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,103/year)
- ✓Larger job market (8,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $93,373)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,244)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in New York grew 26.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.8% growth in Rochester over the same period.
New York, NY
$81,660 (2019) → $103,550 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$73,100 (2019) → $88,310 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
New York, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: New York or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between New York and Rochester?
Should I relocate from New York to Rochester as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in New York 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