Real Estate Agent Pay

Pittsburgh vs Reading: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)

Compare real estate agent salaries between Pittsburgh, PA and Reading, PA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Pittsburgh, PA
$56,018
$26.94/hr
Reading, PA
$52,709
$25.34/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricPittsburgh, PAReading, PA
Median Salary$56,018$52,709
Hourly Rate$26.94$25.34
Entry Level (P10)$45,391$31,171
25th Percentile$51,866$44,508
75th Percentile$80,023$77,262
Top Earner (P90)$105,854$97,765
Total Employed1,000120
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Pittsburgh ($56,018) and Reading ($52,709) real estate agent salaries.PittsburghReadingMedian Salary$56,018$52,709Entry Level (P10)$45,391$31,171Top Earner (P90)$105,854$97,765US Median $53,622

Verdict

Pittsburgh, PA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Reading.

The salary gap between Pittsburgh and Reading is $3,309 (6.28%). Pittsburgh's median is +4.47% compared to the US national median of $53,622.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Pittsburgh spans $60,463,Reading spans $66,594. Reading has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.

Pittsburgh
P10 (Entry)$45,391
P25$51,866
Median$56,018
P75$80,023
P90 (Top)$105,854
Reading
P10 (Entry)$31,171
P25$44,508
Median$52,709
P75$77,262
P90 (Top)$97,765

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Pittsburgh ($59,171 effective) pays 8.96% more than Reading ($54,306 effective).

Pittsburgh
Nominal: $56,018
CoL Index: 94.671
Adjusted: $59,171
Reading
Nominal: $52,709
CoL Index: 97.06
Adjusted: $54,306

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Pittsburgh if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,018/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($105,854)
  • Larger job market (1,000 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,171)
  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Choose Reading if…

  • You prefer the Pennsylvania area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Pittsburgh grew -13.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 12.0% growth in Reading over the same period.

Pittsburgh, PA

+-13.0%

$63,420 (2019) → $55,190 (2025)

Reading, PA

+12.0%

$46,380 (2019) → $51,930 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays real estate agents more: Pittsburgh or Reading?

Pittsburgh has a higher median real estate agent salary at $56,018/year, compared to Reading at $52,709/year — a difference of $3,309 (6.28%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Pittsburgh and Reading?

Pittsburgh real estate agents earn $26.94/hr while Reading hygienists earn $25.34/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Pittsburgh to Reading as a real estate agent?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Pittsburgh and Reading. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Pittsburgh = $59,171, Reading = $54,306), job availability (1,000 vs 120 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Pittsburgh vs Reading?

Entry-level (10th percentile) real estate agents earn $45,391 in Pittsburgh and $31,171 in Reading. The Pittsburgh area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

MG

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.

Clinically reviewed by David Chen, REALTOR®Data verified by Fatima Ali, REALTOR®

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