Hartford vs Waterbury: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Hartford, CT and Waterbury, CT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Hartford, CT | Waterbury, CT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,274 | $57,813▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.25 | $27.79▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,417▲ | $36,820 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,894 | $44,097▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,740 | $74,002▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,700▲ | $89,610 |
| Total Employed | N/A | 22 |
Verdict
Waterbury, CT offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hartford.
The salary gap between Hartford and Waterbury is $11,539 (24.94%). Waterbury's median is +7.82% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Hartford spans $75,283,Waterbury spans $52,790. Hartford has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Waterbury ($53,580 effective) pays 18.97% more than Hartford ($45,037 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Hartford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($115,700)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Choose Waterbury if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,813/year)
- ✓Larger job market (22 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $53,580)
- ✓You prefer the Connecticut area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Hartford grew 17.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 55.0% growth in Waterbury over the same period.
Hartford, CT
$38,720 (2019) → $45,590 (2025)
Waterbury, CT
$36,740 (2020) → $56,959 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Hartford, CT
Waterbury, CT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Hartford or Waterbury?
What is the hourly rate difference between Hartford and Waterbury?
Should I relocate from Hartford to Waterbury as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Hartford vs Waterbury?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov