Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $29.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a real estate agent working in Clifton, NJ runs $29.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,380 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Clifton, NJ, the projected median hourly pay for real estate agents in 2026 is $29.15, which significantly exceeds the national average of $25.78 per hour. This increased rate reflects the competitive nature of the local real estate market and the higher cost of living in the area. For part-time agents working three days a week, committing around 24 hours, this pay translates to an income of approximately $67,000 annually, a respectable sum that can provide a comfortable lifestyle in Clifton. For those in entry-level positions or just embarking on their real estate careers, hourly wages can vary from $19.06 to $45.18, depending on experience and performance, indicating a potentially lucrative path for higher earners. Many real estate professionals spend their time in various settings: from brokerage offices to client showings and closing meetings, creating a dynamic work life that often accommodates flexible schedules.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.06 | $152.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.52 | $180.18 |
| Median (P50) | $29.15 | $233.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.31 | $298.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.18 | $361.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $29.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.15/hr, a real estate agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $60,634 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,981. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,166.03 | $5,053 | $60,634 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $699.62 | $3,032 | $36,380 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $466.41 | $2,021 | $24,253 |
Compare REA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent (Clifton) | $29.15 |
| 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 Clifton, NJ earn a median of $60,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $61,803.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.15/hr = $36,380/year (purchasing power: $31,580).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,634/year (purchasing power: $52,633).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.17/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $44.57/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.59/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for real estate agents in Clifton grew 8.0% from $26.60/hr (2019) to $28.72/hr (2025). At a 1.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.59/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 Clifton 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 Clifton
A closer examination of the earning potential for part-time agents in Clifton reveals that those who manage to work just a few days a week can still achieve a competitive income. However, it is crucial to note the nature of real estate work; compensation is often based on commissions, which affects hourly pay significantly. While some top producers might command between $100 and $300 per hour when factoring in commissions, newer agents may face challenges as they often earn below minimum wage when accounting for unpaid prospecting efforts in their initial years. Employers such as Keller Williams or Coldwell Banker offer different operational structures, impacting pay rates; agents within nationally recognized franchises might find more security due to structured fees and potential benefits, while independent or discount brokerages present alternative financial arrangements. This trade-off can be important for agents who prioritize stability and benefits over higher hourly wages. Negotiation strategies in Clifton should consider these variables, helping agents align their hour-based compensation efforts with market realities and personal financial goals.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
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 Clifton. 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 Clifton 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