Rochester vs Watertown: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Rochester, NY and Watertown, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, NY | Watertown, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $89,635▲ | $88,890 |
| Hourly Rate | $43.10▲ | $42.73 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,446 | $57,137▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $87,929▲ | $65,713 |
| 75th Percentile | $111,782 | $113,778▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $201,244▲ | $137,779 |
| Total Employed | 270▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Watertown.
The salary gap between Rochester and Watertown is $745 (0.84%). Rochester's median is +67.16% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $154,798,Watertown spans $80,642. Rochester 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, Rochester ($92,374 effective) pays 20.44% more than Watertown ($76,695 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($89,635/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($201,244)
- ✓Larger job market (270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $92,374)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Watertown if…
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Rochester grew 20.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -19.8% growth in Watertown over the same period.
Rochester, NY
$73,100 (2019) → $88,310 (2025)
Watertown, NY
$109,190 (2024) → $87,576 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, NY
Watertown, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Rochester or Watertown?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and Watertown?
Should I relocate from Rochester to Watertown as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Rochester vs Watertown?
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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
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