Salem vs Worcester: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Salem, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Salem, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,387 | $94,831▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $42.98 | $45.59▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,452▲ | $59,214 |
| 25th Percentile | $70,368 | $71,638▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $114,415 | $121,384▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $138,550 | $146,989▲ |
| Total Employed | 8 | 34▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Salem.
The salary gap between Salem and Worcester is $5,444 (6.09%). Worcester's median is +76.85% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Salem spans $78,098,Worcester spans $87,775. Worcester 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, Worcester ($87,402 effective) pays 6.09% more than Salem ($82,384 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Salem if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($94,831/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($146,989)
- ✓Larger job market (34 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $87,402)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Salem grew -4.3% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 125.3% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Salem, MA
$91,997 (2024) → $88,066 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$41,460 (2019) → $93,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Salem or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Salem and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Salem to Worcester as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Salem vs Worcester?
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