Being a residential real estate agent in Pennsylvania can be quite lucrative – especially in certain locations. While the typical PA real estate agent makes around $56k per year (median), agents in some towns earn well above that.
Recent data (from late 2024 and early 2025) based on job postings and reported salaries shows that in several Pennsylvania towns, the average income for realtors tops $100k. Many of these high-earning locales share common factors: higher home values, strong sales volumes, and robust local economies.
Below we count down the 10 towns/cities in Pennsylvania where residential real estate agents earn the most on average, from #10 to #1, and explore why incomes are so high in each place. (All income figures are average annual earnings for agents, and “realtor” is used here interchangeably with residential real estate agent.)
Let’s dive into the list! 🎉
10. Harrisburg
Average Realtor Income: ~$104,300/year. Median income: (n/a, but likely a bit lower than the average).
Why it’s high: Harrisburg, the state capital, offers a steady real estate market fueled by government offices, hospitals, and universities. The metro area (including suburbs like Hershey and Camp Hill) sees a constant demand for housing from professionals and families. Home prices here are moderate but rising – the greater Harrisburg area’s median sale price was around $314k by late 2023, higher than many other central PA markets.
This means agents earn decent commissions per sale. Additionally, as one of the larger cities in PA, Harrisburg provides healthy transaction volume. Fewer agents operate here compared to Philly or Pittsburgh, so successful local realtors can capture a large share of the business. The result is a six-figure average income, proving that even outside the biggest metros, a driven agent in Harrisburg can do very well. 🚀
9. Bethlehem
Average Realtor Income: ~$104,400/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: Bethlehem is part of the booming Lehigh Valley (along with Allentown and Easton), one of Pennsylvania’s hottest housing markets. In fact, the Allentown-Bethlehem metro’s median home price hit a record $370,000 in mid-2025. The region has seen rapid population growth (thousands of new residents in the past couple years) as people move in from New York and New Jersey in search of affordable homes. This influx of buyers has created frenzied demand – homes sell quickly, often with multiple offers.
For real estate agents, that means more sales and more commissions. Bethlehem itself combines historic charm with new development, attracting both young families and retirees. Home values have climbed (median around the mid-$300s now), so each sale yields a solid commission. With a surging market and plenty of clients, Bethlehem’s agents are earning high incomes. It doesn’t hurt that the Lehigh Valley is still relatively affordable compared to NYC or Philly, so buyers keep coming, keeping agents busy and prosperous. 💰
8. Monroeville
Average Realtor Income: ~$104,560/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: Monroeville represents the Pittsburgh metropolitan area on this list. It’s a suburb east of Pittsburgh known for shopping centers and convenient access to the city. While Pittsburgh’s overall home prices are lower than eastern PA (Allegheny County’s median sale price is around $277k), the key in Monroeville is volume and regional reach.
The Pittsburgh area is Pennsylvania’s second-largest market, so there are lots of transactions. Monroeville’s agents often serve a broad area of suburbs (like nearby Murrysville, Plum, etc.) where many move-up buyers and commuters live. Some of these communities have higher-end homes (many nice suburban houses in the $300–500k range), providing decent commissions.
Additionally, as a regional commercial hub, Monroeville draws relocating professionals (for its hospitals, tech companies, etc.), keeping housing demand up. Agents here benefit from Pittsburgh’s economic stability (healthcare, education, and tech are big industries) combined with less competition than Philly. All these factors help Monroeville realtors close enough deals – and some high-value deals – to average into the six figures. Not bad for Western PA! 🎉
7. Ephrata
Average Realtor Income: ~$104,570/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: Ephrata is a town in Lancaster County, an area that has quietly become a real estate success story. Lancaster County offers a mix of charming small towns, Amish countryside, and a growing suburban scene – and people are flocking here. Home prices have been rising steadily (the county’s median sale price is around $360k now, up ~5% in the past year).
Many buyers from expensive regions (Philly suburbs, Washington D.C., even out-of-state) have discovered Lancaster County as a place where you can get more house for the money – yet home values are still high enough to mean solid commissions. Ephrata, in particular, benefits from its location near major highways (making it commutable to Harrisburg or Philly) and its reputation for good quality of life. The market here sees everything from historic farmhouses to new developments.
Fewer agents cover this semi-rural area, so the active realtors often handle a large number of transactions across the county. Lancaster’s strong economy (healthcare, tourism, manufacturing) also feeds housing demand. Add it up, and Ephrata’s real estate pros are enjoying some of the highest earnings in PA – proving that even outside the big cities, you can crush it as an agent in the right market. 🚜💵
6. Scranton
Average Realtor Income: ~$104,580/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: Scranton might be surprising to see on a top-earnings list, but there are unique reasons its agents do well. This Northeastern PA city has relatively low home prices – the median sale is only around $185k (though up 25% in the last year) – so it’s not high prices driving commissions. Instead, sales volume and regional breadth are key. Scranton agents often cover a wide territory, including the greater Scranton–Wilkes-Barre area and even parts of the Pocono Mountains.
The Poconos region attracts vacation-home buyers and investors (for ski chalets, lake houses, and AirBnB rentals), which can lead to some big-ticket sales that pad an agent’s income. Meanwhile, Scranton itself has been experiencing a modest renaissance – local universities, medical centers, and businesses are stabilizing the economy, and first-time buyers are active thanks to affordable prices. Fewer young people are moving out compared to past decades, so the housing market has steady churn.
For the agents who have established themselves as go-to experts in this area, that means they’re handling many transactions (even if each is lower-priced) and some high-end deals in resort areas. Lower competition among realtors (compared to bigger cities) may also allow top Scranton agents to dominate market share. All factors combined, experienced Scranton realtors can clear six figures, making the Electric City a bright spot for real estate careers. ⚡️💼
5. Allentown
Average Realtor Income: ~$104,630/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: Allentown is the largest city in the Lehigh Valley and has become one of Pennsylvania’s most dynamic housing markets. The region’s home prices and sales activity have been surging – in June 2025 the Allentown metro set a new record with a $370k median sales price, and sales volume jumped over 9% year-on-year. What’s fueling this? Allentown (and the Valley overall) offers a more affordable alternative to New York or Philadelphia, yet it’s within commuting distance of both.
Thousands of new residents arrive each year, drawn by jobs (healthcare, logistics, manufacturing) and cheaper real estate. This has created huge demand and a housing shortage, so agents are extremely busy. Many local realtors find themselves juggling multiple offers and bidding wars on their listings. That might be stressful, but it’s great for commissions! 💸 Additionally, Allentown has seen lots of development downtown (new apartments, townhomes) and revitalization projects, attracting young professionals – a fresh client base for agents.
With fast-rising home values and no shortage of buyers, the average agent income here is very high. Top agents can clean up by handling a high volume of deals. Allentown’s story – from Billy Joel’s decline narrative to a modern comeback – now includes real estate agents making a comfortable six-figure living in the Queen City. 👑
4. Chadds Ford
Average Realtor Income: ~$104,640/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: Chadds Ford is a small, affluent community on the southwestern fringe of the Philadelphia suburbs – and it’s wealthy even by suburban Philly standards. This area (straddling Delaware and Chester counties) is known for its scenic Brandywine Valley landscape, historical significance, and upscale homes on large properties.
Many houses in Chadds Ford are high-end or luxury properties. In fact, homes here often list for around $1 million on average, and sale prices commonly range from the high six figures into the millions. For real estate agents, that means hefty commissions per transaction. You don’t need to sell a ton of homes when each sale might net a commission comparable to selling 3–4 homes in a cheaper market! Besides home values, Chadds Ford’s location is prime: it’s within commuting distance of Philadelphia’s job centers and also close to Wilmington, Delaware (another employment hub).
This attracts corporate executives and professionals who are willing to pay top dollar for estates or luxury homes, keeping demand strong. The community’s prestigious reputation (good schools, open space, even ties to the Wyeth family art legacy) draws wealthy buyers consistently. There are also relatively few realtors who specialize in this exclusive market, so those who do can capture high market share. It all adds up to an average realtor income that’s among the very highest in the state. If you’re selling Main Line-style mansions in Chadds Ford, you’re likely smiling on payday. 🏠💲
3. Philadelphia
Average Realtor Income: ~$106,570/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: It’s no surprise that Pennsylvania’s largest city, Philadelphia, ranks near the top. The average residential agent in Philly earns well into six figures. Why? Volume and diversity. Philadelphia’s real estate market is enormous – the city has 1.6 million people and dozens of distinct neighborhoods. This provides endless opportunities for transactions: from Center City condos, to rowhouses in South Philly, to twin homes in the Northeast, to Victorian houses in Chestnut Hill.
An ambitious agent in Philadelphia can close a lot of deals in a year, which boosts income even if some individual sales are modest. That said, Philly also has its share of pricey properties. There are luxury high-rise condos selling for millions, brownstones in Rittenhouse Square, and upscale homes in areas like Society Hill or Mount Airy. Those high-end transactions deliver big commissions. Even in the mid-range market, prices have been climbing – the city’s median listing price is around $289k (and higher in many neighborhoods), and the metro area hit a record median of $375k in 2024.
This means selling homes in Philly today pays more than it did just a few years ago. Another factor: top Philadelphia agents often build teams or handle listings in the affluent Main Line suburbs (on the city’s outskirts), effectively expanding their territory and earnings. Competition among the realtors is fierce here, but the rewards are great – the city simply has huge real estate churn (people moving in, out, and within the city constantly). With hustle and know-how, Philly agents can ride that wave to very high incomes, as reflected by the ~$106k average. It’s the City of Brotherly Love, sure – but also the city of lovely commissions for successful realtors. 😄🏆
2. Gettysburg
Average Realtor Income: ~$109,480/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: Famous for its Civil War battlefield, Gettysburg today is a relatively small town – but it punches above its weight in real estate. Located in Adams County, south-central PA, Gettysburg’s housing market benefits from a couple of unique factors. First, the area attracts tourism and retirees, some of whom decide to buy homes (think bed-and-breakfast properties, historic farmhouses, or retirement homes with acreage).
There’s a cachet to owning property near such a historic and scenic location. Second, Adams County has a lot of rural luxury properties – rolling orchards, horse farms, and country estates that can fetch high prices. The median listing price in Gettysburg has been hovering around $460k in recent data, significantly above the state median, and many homes list for much more (especially large properties just outside town). For the local realtors, that means large commissions on those big sales. Moreover, Gettysburg is within reach of the Washington, D.C. and Baltimore regions (about an hour or so drive), so there’s a trend of some affluent buyers coming north to PA for cheaper taxes or second homes in the countryside.
This “DC money” can drive up prices and give agents higher-dollar transactions. With a relatively small pool of agents serving the area, the successful ones handle a lot of these high-value deals. The result: Gettysburg’s real estate agents average nearly $110k a year, making this historic town one of the most financially rewarding places for a realtor in Pennsylvania. History isn’t the only thing rich here – so are the realtor paychecks! 🤑📜
1. Thorndale
Average Realtor Income: ~$109,630/year. Median income: (n/a).
Why it’s high: The top spot belongs to Thorndale, a small community in Chester County – and a perhaps unexpected champion. Thorndale is about 30 miles west of Philadelphia, and it benefits from everything that makes Chester County a real estate goldmine. This area is affluent, scenic, and in-demand. Chester County’s median home sale price was about $492,000 in 2023 – one of the highest in the state – thanks to its excellent schools, corporate headquarters (pharma, finance, etc.), and beautiful suburbs.
Thorndale sits along the SEPTA regional rail line and is essentially the gateway to the “Main Line” suburbs from the west. Many home buyers who can’t afford closer-in Main Line towns drive a little further out to Thorndale/Downingtown areas for slightly better prices – but even “slightly better” is still pricey by Pennsylvania standards! Homes in and around Thorndale often sell in the $400k–$700k+ range, which means juicy commission checks for agents. The area’s population has grown, with new housing developments springing up, so agents get both new construction sales and resales. Importantly, Thorndale’s average realtor income likely reflects the success of agents who cover the wider Chester County market (including wealthier nearby towns).
It’s no coincidence that several Philly suburban communities rank high for agent pay – for example, neighboring Exton and West Chester also see average realtor salaries around $100k+. In Thorndale’s case, a couple of top-producing agents (who might sell dozens of homes from Thorndale to the Main Line) can pull the average way up. All those factors combine to put Thorndale at #1. It shows that being a realtor in the Philly suburbs – especially Chester County – is a very lucrative gig. From million-dollar estates to high-volume developments, Thorndale-area agents have it made, averaging nearly $110k a year. 🏆💵
Why These Locations Offer Higher Realtor Earnings (Summary)
If you scan the list above, a clear pattern emerges: location matters a ton for a real estate agent’s earning potential. These top-earning Pennsylvania towns and cities tend to have one (or more) of the following advantages:
Higher Home Values: In places like Chadds Ford, Thorndale (Chester County), and Gettysburg, homes sell for well above the state’s average price. Higher sale prices translate to bigger commissions per deal. For example, suburban Philly counties have detached home medians in the $450k–$600k range, and Chadds Ford listings often hit seven figures. An agent selling a $800k house obviously earns a lot more commission than one selling a $200k house. Over the course of a year, those higher prices boost income dramatically.
Strong Sales Volume: Markets like the Lehigh Valley (Allentown/Bethlehem) and Philadelphia proper have lots of transactions. They’re growth regions where homes are constantly being bought and sold (Allentown–Bethlehem saw record sales activity in 2024, and Philly is a year-round busy market). High volume means a busy agent can close many deals in a year, piling up commission checks even if each individual sale isn’t huge. More deals = more dollars.
Economic & Population Growth: Many of these locations are benefiting from in-migration or thriving local economies. The Lehigh Valley is drawing newcomers from pricier areas, Lancaster County (Ephrata) is growing, and even “stagnant” regions like Scranton have pockets of new demand (e.g. Poconos vacation homes). Growing demand often leads to a housing shortage and rising prices, which is great news for agents’ earnings. Additionally, areas with strong job markets (Philly, Pittsburgh area, Harrisburg) create a steady pipeline of clients (people relocating for work, etc.).
Affluent or Niche Markets: Some high-earning spots are smaller towns that serve niche markets – for instance, Gettysburg’s historical/tourist appeal or Chadds Ford’s luxury niche. In these places, a few top agents can dominate and capture many high-end sales, driving up the “average” income. They might face less competition than in big cities, too, allowing them to take a larger slice of the commission pie.
In summary, the locations that offer higher earnings for realtors in Pennsylvania tend to be those with expensive homes, lots of buyers, or both. The Philadelphia suburbs in particular stand out – it’s not uncommon for an active agent in Chester, Montgomery, Bucks, or Delaware County to make six figures given the home values and sales volume in those areas. But even outside Philly, any region that combines decent home prices with healthy turnover can be a sweet spot for income (hello, Lehigh Valley and Harrisburg!). Of course, higher earnings often come with higher cost of living or tougher competition (especially around Philly). But for ambitious real estate professionals, these 10 Pennsylvania towns show that the right market can really pay off. Whether it’s selling million-dollar estates or closing dozens of mid-range homes, success in these locales means bigger commissions and bigger smiles on payday. 😃💰
Sources and References:
- ZipRecruiter – “Realtor Salary in Pennsylvania (July 2025)” – Table of top 10 highest-paying PA cities for Realtor jobs (Thorndale #1 at $109,626) and state average salary. URL: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Realtor-Salary–in-Pennsylvania
- ZipRecruiter – “Real Estate Agent Salary in Pennsylvania (July 2025)” – Provided state average salary and highlighted top-paying locations (similar list including small towns). URL: https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Real-Estate-Agent-Salary–in-Pennsylvania
- Indeed.com – “Real Estate Agent Salary in Pennsylvania” (updated July 18, 2025) – Shows average base salary in PA and lists highest paying cities (Exton, King of Prussia, etc., all ~$100k+). URL: https://www.indeed.com/career/real-estate-agent/salaries/PA
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational Outlook Handbook, Real Estate Brokers and Sales Agents (2024 data) – States the median annual wage for real estate sales agents is ~$56,320. Used for comparison to typical incomes. URL: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/sales/real-estate-brokers-and-sales-agents.htm
- Kaplan Real Estate Education (KapRE.com) – “Real Estate Agent Salary by State” (2022 data) – Listed Pennsylvania average real estate agent income ~$56,760. URL: https://www.kapre.com/resources/real-estate/real-estate-agent-salary
- Chester County Planning Commission – “Housing Report 2023 – Chester County” – Gave median home prices in Chester County (e.g., ~$552k for detached homes in 2023). URL: https://www.chescoplanning.org/Housing/HousingReport.cfm (see median prices section)
- Habitat for Humanity Chester County – Blog post (2025) – Mentioned “median home sale price in Chester County in 2023 was $492,000.” Reinforces high home values in Thorndale’s area. URL: https://www.hfhcc.org/post/the-state-of-housing-in-chester-county-pa-a-story-of-struggle-and-hope-in-2025
- Redfin Data Center – Housing Market data for various PA regions (2024-2025) – Provided median sale prices: e.g., Lancaster County ~$360k, Allegheny County ~$277k, Harrisburg city ~$185k (via Redfin and other sources in search results). URL (Redfin for Lancaster County): https://www.redfin.com/county/2408/PA/Lancaster-County/housing-market
- Realtor.com – Local Market Trends (June 2025) – Examples: Gettysburg median listing price ~$460k; Chadds Ford median listing ~$1,000,000; Philadelphia median listing ~$289k. (Accessed via Realtor.com market overview pages for those locales.) URLs:
- Homes.com News – “Prices hit record high in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley region” (July 16, 2025) – Cites Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors data: record median $370k in June 2025, population growth of 7,000 in a year, etc. URL: https://www.homes.com/news/prices-hit-record-high-in-eastern-pennsylvanias-lehigh-valley-region/530215557/
