Philadelphia vs State College: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Philadelphia, PA and State College, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Philadelphia, PA | State College, PA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $55,531▲ | $46,649 |
| Hourly Rate | $26.69▲ | $22.43 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,049 | $31,719▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $39,291▲ | $37,251 |
| 75th Percentile | $77,262▲ | $75,201 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,712▲ | $81,657 |
| Total Employed | 2,780▲ | 80 |
Verdict
Philadelphia, PA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to State College.
The salary gap between Philadelphia and State College is $8,882 (19.04%). Philadelphia's median is +3.56% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Philadelphia spans $74,663,State College spans $49,938. Philadelphia 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, Philadelphia ($54,148 effective) pays 12.32% more than State College ($48,210 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Philadelphia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($55,531/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,712)
- ✓Larger job market (2,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,148)
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Choose State College if…
- ✓You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Philadelphia grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.1% growth in State College over the same period.
Philadelphia, PA
$44,880 (2019) → $54,710 (2025)
State College, PA
$41,350 (2019) → $45,960 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Philadelphia, PA
State College, PA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Philadelphia or State College?
What is the hourly rate difference between Philadelphia and State College?
Should I relocate from Philadelphia to State College as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Philadelphia vs State College?
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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