Rochester vs Syracuse: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Rochester, NY and Syracuse, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Syracuse, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,635▲ | $83,758 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.10▲ | $40.28 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,446▲ | $45,736 |
| 25th Percentile | $87,929▲ | $48,050 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,782 | $114,045▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,244▲ | $175,889 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 120 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Syracuse.
The salary gap between Rochester and Syracuse is $5,877 (7.02%). Rochester's median is +67.16% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $154,798,Syracuse spans $130,153. Rochester 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, Rochester ($92,374 effective) pays 5.59% more than Syracuse ($87,483 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,635/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,244)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,374)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Syracuse if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Rochester grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -6.0% growth in Syracuse over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$73,100 (2019) → $88,310 (2025)
Syracuse, NY
$87,830 (2019) → $82,520 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Syracuse, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Rochester or Syracuse?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Syracuse?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Syracuse as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Rochester vs Syracuse?
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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