Rochester vs Valley Stream: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Rochester, NY and Valley Stream, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Valley Stream, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,635▲ | $86,998 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.10▲ | $41.83 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,446 | $52,431▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,929▲ | $69,241 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,782▲ | $111,357 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,244▲ | $134,847 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 10 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valley Stream.
The salary gap between Rochester and Valley Stream is $2,637 (3.03%). 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,Valley Stream spans $82,416. 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 23.06% more than Valley Stream ($75,063 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 Valley Stream 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 -19.8% growth in Valley Stream over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$73,100 (2019) → $88,310 (2025)
Valley Stream, NY
$106,866 (2024) → $85,712 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Rochester or Valley Stream?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Valley Stream?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Valley Stream as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Rochester vs Valley Stream?
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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