Real Estate Agent Salary in Ferndale, MI: $55,621 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Ferndale, MI earns a median $55,621/year (≈ $26.75/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Ferndale's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $59,679 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Real estate agents in Ferndale, Michigan, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $55,621 in 2026, which reflects a modest upward trend compared to the national median of $53,622. The local salary range varies significantly, with the lowest earners making around $35,681 and the top performers reaching approximately $86,212. These figures, derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, highlight the competitive nature of the Ferndale market. With the changes resulting from the post-2024 NAR settlement affecting commission structures, agents are navigating a landscape where their earnings are increasingly tied to transaction volumes and commission splits with brokerages, making it essential for them to adapt their strategies in this evolving scenario.
About the Ferndale Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,681 | $17.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,145 | $20.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,621 | $26.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,195 | $34.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,212 | $41.45 |
Median Salary Position
3.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ferndale
In Ferndale, MI, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,531 (2026 est.). At $55,621, the local median is 3.73% above the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ferndale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ferndale Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Ferndale median: $55,621/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ferndale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $58,610 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | +3.73% more |
Real Estate Agents in Ferndale, MI earn a median of $55,621 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.73% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 5.10% below the Michigan state average of $58,610.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ferndale has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ferndale, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $55,621 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,679 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,754
2025 BLS Actual
$54,799
2026 Current Est.
$55,621
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Ferndale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,754 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,868 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,142 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,843 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,324 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,298 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,799 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,621 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,455 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ferndale metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $50,754 (2019) to $54,799 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,455 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,701 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ferndale 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $35,681 – $42,145 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,145 – $55,621 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,621 – $71,195 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,195 – $86,212 |
REA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual real estate agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Real Estate Agent Job Market in Ferndale
Despite having only five real estate agents currently employed in the area, Ferndale offers a compelling job market for those pursuing a career in real estate. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, providing agents with a decent take-home purchasing power that can be advantageous for their clients. When assessing potential earnings, agents should consider local franchise brokerages such as Keller Williams and RE/MAX, which tend to offer higher pay compared to independent or discount brokerages. The disparity between low and high pay in Ferndale can largely be attributed to factors such as the type of property dealt with, commission structures, team affiliations, and the overall demand for real estate in the region. To maximize their earnings, agents would benefit from focusing on developing a strong referral network, learning to navigate the nuances introduced by recent commission changes, and strategically choosing whether to operate as solo agents or as part of a team that can enhance their market presence.
More salary data for Ferndale, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $54,799 for real estate agentsin the Ferndale metropolitan area. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Ferndale 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