Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay in Waterford, MI: $27.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a real estate agent working in Waterford, MI runs $27.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,196 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Weighted against Waterford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,315 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Waterford, MI, real estate agents can expect a median hourly pay of $27.50, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $25.78. This competitive wage supports both full-time agents and those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For a part-time real estate agent working three days a week, this hourly rate allows for a decent income while juggling other commitments. Many agents work in various environments, from brokerage offices to property showings and remote settings, which adds a level of flexibility that appeals to many. The hourly wage range starts at $17.73 for entry-level positions (P10) and extends up to $42.62 for top earners (P90), showcasing a spectrum of earning possibilities within the profession.
About the Waterford Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.73 | $141.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.06 | $168.49 |
| Median (P50) | $27.50 | $219.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.20 | $281.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.62 | $340.96 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waterford
Based on $27.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.50/hr, a real estate agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waterford, MI can expect to earn approximately $57,192 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,996. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waterford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waterford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,099.85 | $4,766 | $57,192 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $659.91 | $2,860 | $34,315 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $439.94 | $1,906 | $22,877 |
Compare REA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent (Waterford) | $27.50 |
| Real Estate Broker (National Avg) | $42.96 |
| Insurance Sales Agent (National Avg) | $29.02 |
| Property / Real Estate Manager (National Avg) | $33.79 |
| Appraiser / Assessor of Real Estate (National Avg) | $37.18 |
Real Estate Agents in Waterford, MI earn a median of $57,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.67% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 2.40% below the Michigan state average of $58,603.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.50/hr = $34,315/year (purchasing power: $36,819).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,192/year (purchasing power: $61,365).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Waterford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for real estate agents in Waterford grew 8.0% from $25.09/hr (2019) to $27.09/hr (2025). At a 1.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.91/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem real estate agents can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Waterford 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.
Working as an Hourly Real Estate Agent in Waterford
Analyzing part-time earning strategies reveals that a real estate agent working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $34,320 annually, significantly less than a full-time agent's potential earnings. However, for many agents, the work is primarily commission-based, further complicating hourly pay comparisons. Those at the top of the field might see their effective hourly rate soar to between $100 and $300 when factoring in commissions. Real estate agents in Waterford have a variety of employer options, including national franchises like Keller Williams and RE/MAX, as well as local independent brokerages and luxury firms. Each option comes with its unique compensation structure, influencing a real estate agent's take-home pay. Some agents may choose positions with lower hourly rates that offer health benefits, while others may prefer higher rates without benefits. It's essential for agents in Waterford to effectively negotiate their pay, considering commission splits and potential expenses associated with independent contractor status in this evolving industry after the 2024 NAR commission settlement.
More salary data for Waterford, MI:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for real estate agents in Waterford. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Waterford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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