Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay in Paterson, NJ: $29.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a real estate agent working in Paterson, NJ runs $29.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,729 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Weighted against Paterson's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,039 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Paterson, NJ, real estate agents earn a median hourly pay of $29.68, which is notably higher than the national median of $25.78. This hourly rate provides a viable income for part-time agents, especially those working three days a week or engaging in per-diem work. Agents may find themselves working in various settings, including brokerage offices, conducting property tours, or attending client meetings, often blending remote and mobile work into their schedules. For those just starting their careers, hourly wages typically range from $18.93 to $46.00, offering a pathway for growth as they gain experience and client relationships. In a city like Paterson, where the real estate market is vibrant, these figures underscore the potential for both new and seasoned agents to shape their earnings through commissions tied to property sales.
About the Paterson 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) | $18.93 | $151.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.63 | $181.08 |
| Median (P50) | $29.68 | $237.43 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.99 | $303.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.00 | $368.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Paterson
Based on $29.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.68/hr, a real estate agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Paterson, NJ can expect to earn approximately $61,731 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,614. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Paterson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Paterson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,187.14 | $5,144 | $61,731 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $712.29 | $3,087 | $37,039 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.86 | $2,058 | $24,693 |
Compare REA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent (Paterson) | $29.68 |
| 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 Paterson, NJ earn a median of $61,729 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.12% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 0.10% below the New Jersey state average of $61,791.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.68/hr = $37,039/year (purchasing power: $32,152).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,731/year (purchasing power: $53,586).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Paterson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.66/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.12/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for real estate agents in Paterson grew 8.0% from $27.08/hr (2019) to $29.24/hr (2025). At a 1.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.12/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 Paterson 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 Paterson
When considering the real estate agent landscape, part-time workers in Paterson could take home approximately $32,132 annually by working 24 hours a week, a stark contrast to full-time agents. As the majority of real estate compensation is commission-based and reported as 1099 income, per diem real estate agent pay in Paterson remains unconventional. High-performing agents can command hourly rates as significant as $100 to $300, while new agents often navigate an initial phase that may yield less than minimum wage due to hours spent on unpaid prospecting and training. Variability comes from the type of brokerage—national franchises usually offer more robust support systems, while local independents may provide greater flexibility. Agents often weigh the benefits of lower hourly rates for health insurance against the allure of higher pay without benefits, particularly in the shifting commission structure post-2024 NAR ruling. For those looking to negotiate their pay effectively, understanding local market rates and brokerage offerings is essential to maximize income potential.
More salary data for Paterson, 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 Paterson. 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 Paterson 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