Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay in Pasadena, CA: $30.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a real estate agent working in Pasadena, CA runs $30.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,312 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Weighted against Pasadena's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,989 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Pasadena, California, real estate agents earn a median hourly rate of $30.44, which is significantly higher than the national median of $25.78. This difference in pay can impact part-time workers who typically operate three days a week, as well as per-diem agents who may find opportunities in local markets. The job requires flexibility, granting agents the ability to work from brokerage offices, conduct property tours, or meet clients for listing presentations and closing deals at title companies. As the industry is largely commission-based, hourly earnings vary considerably, with entry-level agents making around $18.95, while top earners can reach up to $47.18. These figures offer a glimpse into how performance, clientele, and market engagement influence the hourly dynamic along with the estimated annualized income derived from such rates.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($92,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.95 | $151.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.86 | $182.86 |
| Median (P50) | $30.44 | $243.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.97 | $311.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.18 | $377.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pasadena
Based on $30.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.44/hr, a real estate agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pasadena, CA can expect to earn approximately $63,315 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,528. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Pasadena.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pasadena
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,217.59 | $5,276 | $63,315 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $730.56 | $3,166 | $37,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $487.04 | $2,110 | $25,326 |
Compare REA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent (Pasadena) | $30.44 |
| 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 Pasadena, CA earn a median of $63,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.07% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 0.80% above the California state average of $62,809.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.44/hr = $37,989/year (purchasing power: $33,589).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,315/year (purchasing power: $55,981).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $50.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for real estate agents in Pasadena grew 8.0% from $27.78/hr (2019) to $29.99/hr (2025). At a 1.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.90/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 Pasadena 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 Pasadena
Considering part-time earnings, a real estate agent in Pasadena working just 24 hours a week would accumulate about $37,920 annually, a stark contrast to the full-time earnings achievable in this commission-driven field. The reality of per-diem work is unique, as most agents operate under a 1099 independent contractor model, meaning hourly pay fluctuates based on commission earnings rather than predictable rates. High-performing agents often see hourly earnings in the range of $100 to $300, particularly in competitive markets or luxury sales. Meanwhile, new agents may initially face low earnings, often falling below minimum wage when factoring in unpaid hours spent on prospecting. Differences in compensation also arise based on the brokerage type, with luxury firms and national franchises like Keller Williams or RE/MAX offering structured pay with benefits, while independent operations may provide greater earning potential albeit with potentially reduced support. Understanding these dynamics is essential for agents navigating their career paths in Pasadena’s real estate market.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
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 Pasadena. 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 Pasadena 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