Business & Finance New York (NY) Rank #4 of 50

Real Estate Agent Salary in New York

The median real estate agent salary in New York is $69,720 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $52,030.

Median Salary
$69,720
vs National
+$17,690
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
122%

Real Estate Agent Salary Overview in New York (2026)

New York ranks #4 out of 50 states for real estate agent compensation. This places New York in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for real estate agents seeking high pay. At $69,720 per year, real estate agents in New York earn $17,690 more than the national median of $52,030.

It's worth noting that New York's cost of living is 122% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $69,720 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $57,148.

The salary spread in New York is significant: real estate agents at the 10th percentile earn $38,592, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $150,616 — a $112,024 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in New York for this role is New York City, where the median reaches $103,540.

Nationally, real estate agent employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for real estate agents across the country.

Real Estate Agent Salary in New York by Experience

In New York, an entry-level real estate agent earns around $40,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $147,400 per year. The cost of living index in New York is 122% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$40,200
+$10,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$73,700
+$18,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$147,400
+$37,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in New York

Percentile NY Salary
10th Percentile $38,592
25th Percentile $47,436
Median (50th) $69,720
75th Percentile $102,108
90th Percentile $150,616

Real Estate Agent Salary by City in New York

The largest employment areas for real estate agents in New York include New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, and Yonkers. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in New York

Education

Most real estate agent positions require a high school diploma. New York has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

NegotiationMarket AnalysisCustomer ServiceMLS SystemsMarketingContract Knowledge

Job Outlook in New York

Nationally, real estate agent employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). New York's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows Real Estate Agents who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $77,680 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Agent Salary in New York

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in New York? ▼
The median real estate agent salary in New York is $69,720 per year, which is 34.0% above the national median of $52,030. Salaries range from $38,592 (10th percentile) to $150,616 (90th percentile).
How much does a Real Estate Agent make per hour in New York? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $69,720, a real estate agent in New York earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is New York a good state for real estate agents? ▼
New York ranks #4 out of 50 states for real estate agent pay. The cost of living index is 122% of the national average. Entry-level real estate agents earn $40,200, while senior professionals earn $147,400.
How does New York compare to other states for real estate agent salary? ▼
The highest paying state for real estate agents is Hawaii at $88,451. New York's median of $69,720 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Massachusetts ($73,883) and California ($71,801).
What is the entry-level real estate agent salary in New York? ▼
An entry-level real estate agent in New York earns approximately $40,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $73,700. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $147,400.
What city in New York pays real estate agents the most? ▼
New York City is the highest paying city in New York for real estate agents, with a median salary of $103,540. Other cities include Buffalo and Rochester.