Paterson vs Plainfield: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Paterson, NJ and Plainfield, NJ. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Paterson, NJ | Plainfield, NJ |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,729▲ | $61,656 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.68▲ | $29.64 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,384▲ | $36,794 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,090▲ | $45,194 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,014▲ | $78,920 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,680▲ | $95,567 |
| Total Employed | 31▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Paterson, NJ offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Plainfield.
The salary gap between Paterson and Plainfield is $73 (0.12%). Paterson's median is +15.12% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Paterson spans $56,296,Plainfield spans $58,773. Plainfield 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, Paterson ($53,584 effective) pays 0.12% 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 Paterson if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,729/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,680)
- ✓Larger job market (31 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,584)
- ✓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 Paterson grew -35.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -35.6% growth in Plainfield over the same period.
Paterson, NJ
$94,397 (2024) → $60,817 (2025)
Plainfield, NJ
$94,286 (2024) → $60,745 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Paterson, NJ
Plainfield, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Paterson or Plainfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Paterson and Plainfield?
Should I relocate from Paterson to Plainfield as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Paterson 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