Newark vs Plainfield: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Newark, NJ and Plainfield, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Newark, NJ | Plainfield, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $105,259▲ | $61,656 |
| Hourly Rate | $50.61▲ | $29.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,050▲ | $36,794 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,630▲ | $45,194 |
| 75th Percentile | $134,731▲ | $78,920 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $163,151▲ | $95,567 |
| Total Employed | 61▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Newark, NJ offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plainfield.
The salary gap between Newark and Plainfield is $43,603 (70.72%). Newark's median is +96.30% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Newark spans $102,101,Plainfield spans $58,773. Newark 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, Newark ($91,371 effective) pays 70.72% more than Plainfield ($53,521 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Newark if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($105,259/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($163,151)
- ✓Larger job market (61 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $91,371)
- ✓You prefer the New Jersey area and lifestyle
Choose Plainfield 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 Newark grew 4.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Plainfield over the same period.
Newark, NJ
$99,334 (2024) → $103,703 (2025)
Plainfield, NJ
$94,286 (2024) → $60,745 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Newark, NJ
Plainfield, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Newark or Plainfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Newark and Plainfield?
Should I relocate from Newark to Plainfield as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Newark vs Plainfield?
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