Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Scranton, PA: $37,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Scranton, PA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,159 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Scranton's local price level (BEA RPP 93.6 — 6% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,718 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,420) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
For those entering the real estate field in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the starting pay reflects both the potential of the market and the challenges new graduates face. The entry-level real estate agent salary in Scranton is approximately $37,159, which is notably below the city's median salary of $51,420. This gap highlights the typical trajectory for new agents, who can expect to progress to around $48,172 within their first few years as they establish their networks and gain experience. With moderate demand projected for the upcoming years, entering the industry now could still be advantageous, especially given the growth rate of 1.50% annually over the next five years. However, new agents should remain realistic about their earnings in the early stages of their career, recognizing that competitive commission structures and market dynamics will require effort and resilience to navigate.
Career Earnings Timeline in Scranton
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Scranton
Entry-level real estate agents in Scranton, PA typically start between $37,159 and $48,172 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $51,988 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,420 — 4.11% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Pennsylvania of $2,500 represents just 6.73% of the starting real estate agent pay ($37,159/year) in Scranton. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates include state-mandated pre-licensing courses, exam fees, background checks, initial license, and MLS/NAR dues. Agents typically pay for business expenses themselves. Brokers require additional experience and post-licensing education.
REA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Scranton
- 1Research the Scranton market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $37,159 to $48,172, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the real estate field — employers in PA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Scranton, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Scranton for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Scranton's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Real Estate Agent Compensation Range
The real estate agent wage spread in Scranton is $51,988 ( 139.91%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,159, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,147.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,100
2025 BLS Actual
$36,610
2026 Current Est.
$37,159
2019–2027 Growth
+39.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $27,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $15,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,360 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,380 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,220 | Actual |
| 2025 | $36,610 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,717 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Scranton, PA grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,100 in 2019 to $36,610 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,717. New graduates entering the Scranton job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Scranton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your real estate Career in Scranton
In Scranton, various employers actively recruit new graduates for real estate positions. National franchise brokerages such as Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker often provide structured training and mentorship, which is beneficial for those starting in the industry. Many of these firms hire entry-level agents as buyer's agents, offering a commission split alongside a salary and bonus structure, making it easier for newcomers to earn an income while they build their clientele. To further enhance their marketability, aspiring agents should consider obtaining state real estate sales licenses, which require completing 60-180 hours of coursework and passing a state exam. Additionally, pursuing NAR Realtor designation or certifications like Accredited Buyer's Representative (ABR) can significantly boost starting salaries. Given the shift in commission structures following the 2024 NAR settlement, entry-level agents must understand the 1099 contractor model, as most require strong outreach and networking efforts to journey toward income growth, emphasizing the realities that the top earning agents attract.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new real estate graduates. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Scranton. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov