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Real Estate Agent Salary in New York, NY β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for New York's cost of living (index: 187). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Real Estate Agent Salary in New York β€” Key Numbers

$101,541
Median Salary
$59,990
25th Percentile
$174,583
75th Percentile
$297,741
90th Percentile
National median (Real Estate Agent)$54,300
vs. National median+87.0%
New York median household income$76,607
vs. City household income+32.5%

Cost of Living in New York

Cost of Living Index
187(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$3,600/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio42.5%
Annual rent cost$43,200
Median Home Price$750,000
Home Price / Salary7.4Γ—
20% Down Payment$150,000
Years to save (20% rate)7.4 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3Γ— is affordable; above 5Γ— is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in New York

4.3%
Unemployment Rate
20,140,470
Metro Population
36 min
Avg Commute
37.1
Median Age

New York has a metro population of 20,140,470, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 4.3% unemployment rate is near the national average.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in New York, NY?

The estimated median salary for a Real Estate Agent in New York is $101,541 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $54,300 adjusted by New York's cost of living index (187). The typical salary range runs from $59,990 (25th percentile) to $174,583 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $297,741.

Is New York affordable for a Real Estate Agent?

On a $101,541 annual salary, a Real Estate Agent in New York would spend approximately 42.5% of gross monthly income on median rent ($3,600/month). This exceeds the 35% cost-burden threshold. Many Real Estate Agents in New York may find housing costs a significant financial pressure. The median home price of $750,000 is 7.4Γ— the annual salary.

How does a Real Estate Agent's salary compare to New York's overall income?

New York's median household income is $76,607. A Real Estate Agent earning the city-adjusted median of $101,541 earns 32.5% more than the typical New York household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.