Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay in Boston, MA: $48.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a real estate agent working in Boston, MA runs $48.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $99,892 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Weighted against Boston's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $44.27 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $59,941 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Boston, the real estate agent hourly pay stands at a median of $48.03, significantly overshadowing the national median of $25.78. This disparity highlights not only the local market's strength but also the earning potential for part-time agents and those working in various capacities throughout this dynamic field. For those working on a part-time basis—say, three days a week—this hourly rate translates to a robust potential income, especially when factoring in hours dedicated to property tours, client meetings, and showing listings. The hourly pay ranges from approximately $30.32 for entry-level agents to $74.44 for those at the top of the pay scale; rates that indicate the possible earnings across different experience levels while reflecting typical commission-based earnings structured through 1099 arrangements.
About the Boston Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.32 | $242.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36.54 | $292.32 |
| Median (P50) | $48.03 | $384.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61.47 | $491.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74.44 | $595.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boston
Based on $48.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $48.03/hr, a real estate agent working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boston, MA can expect to earn approximately $99,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $57,636. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,921.19 | $8,325 | $99,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,152.72 | $4,995 | $59,941 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $768.48 | $3,330 | $39,961 |
Compare REA Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Real Estate Agent (Boston) | $48.03 |
| 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 Boston, MA earn a median of $99,892 per year (2026 est.), which is 86.29% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 7.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $92,750.
Real Estate Agent Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $48.03/hr = $59,941/year (purchasing power: $55,245).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $99,902/year (purchasing power: $92,076).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$32.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$47.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$48.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Boston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $32.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $38.66/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $38.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $48.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $43.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $47.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48.75/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for real estate agents in Boston grew 45.1% from $32.61/hr (2019) to $47.32/hr (2025). At a 1.50% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $48.75/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 Boston 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 Boston
When considering part-time work as a real estate agent, a professional working 24 hours a week could anticipate a take-home of approximately $56,724 annually, providing a stark contrast to full-time potential. The reality of being a per-diem real estate agent in Boston is complicated, as most agents operate on a commission basis, making occasional hourly work uncommon. Top performers in this sector can command upwards of $100-$300 per hour during peak transactions, while new agents, particularly in their first couple of years, might find their earnings barely above minimum wage due to unpaid prospecting. Employer types significantly influence hourly rates as well; national brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX typically offer different compensation structures compared to luxury firms and fee-based brokerages like Redfin. This variability can lead to agents accepting lower rates at larger firms for better benefits, while those in boutique firms may leverage higher rates but without health insurance and similar perks. Tailoring one’s negotiation strategies can often determine long-term success in this competitive field.
More salary data for Boston, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Boston. 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 Boston 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