Real Estate Agent Salary in Clifton, NJ: $60,629 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Clifton, NJ earns a median $60,629/year (≈ $29.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Clifton's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $52,629 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, real estate agents in Clifton, NJ, can expect a median annual salary of $60,629, which represents a 13.07% increase over the national median of $53,622. The salary spectrum ranges significantly, from $39,649 at the lower tenth percentile to $93,975 at the top percentile. These figures are shaped by local estimates derived from state-level data and regional price adjustments. The structure of employment plays a crucial role in pay potential; agents working in teams often benefit from shared resources and leads but may have lower commission splits compared to solo agents. Commercial brokers in this region also typically command higher salaries due to the larger transactions involved, further diversifying the real estate job market.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($82,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,649 | $19.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,855 | $22.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,629 | $29.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,605 | $37.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,975 | $45.18 |
Median Salary Position
13.07% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clifton
In Clifton, NJ, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,326 (2026 est.). At $60,629, the local median is 13.07% above the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Clifton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Clifton Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Clifton median: $60,629/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Clifton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $61,803 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | +13.07% more |
Real Estate Agents in Clifton, NJ earn a median of $60,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.07% higher than the national median of $53,622 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $61,803.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Clifton has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Clifton, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $60,629 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,629 — a 13.2% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,323
2025 BLS Actual
$59,733
2026 Current Est.
$60,629
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,323 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,448 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,656 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,511 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,395 | Actual |
| 2024 | $92,715 | Actual |
| 2025 | $59,733 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,629 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,538 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Clifton metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $55,323 (2019) to $59,733 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,538 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,215 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clifton 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $39,649 – $46,855 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,855 – $60,629 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,629 – $77,605 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,605 – $93,975 |
REA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual real estate agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Real Estate Agent Job Market in Clifton
Within Clifton, the job market for real estate agents indicates a local employment level of 14 agents, hinting at a personalized yet potentially competitive environment. The cost of living in the area is notable, with an index of 115.2, which can impact take-home salaries and overall purchasing power for agents. Among the various employers, national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams often offer competitive pay and training resources, while local independent brokerages might provide more flexibility regarding commission splits. Factors contributing to the wide range of salaries include transaction volume, average sale price, and the commission structure influenced by the recent post-2024 NAR settlement. For agents to maximize their earnings in Clifton, focusing on building a robust referral network and specializing in higher-value segments, such as luxury properties or commercial real estate, can enhance their commission potential in this evolving market.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $59,733 for real estate agentsin the Clifton metropolitan area. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clifton 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