Business & Finance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Real Estate Agent Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median real estate agent salary in Chicago, IL is $58,794 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$58,794
vs State Avg
+$6,244
vs National
+$6,764
Cost of Living
107%

Real Estate Agent Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median real estate agent salary of $58,794, which is $6,244 above the Illinois state average of $52,550. Compared to the national median of $52,030, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for real estate agents in Chicago spans from $32,544 at the 10th percentile to $127,012 at the 90th percentile — a $94,468 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $33,900, while senior real estate agents with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $124,300. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Real Estate Agent Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level real estate agent earns around $33,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $124,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$33,900
+$3,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$62,150
+$7,150 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$124,300
+$14,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $32,544
25th Percentile $40,002
Median (50th) $58,794
75th Percentile $86,106
90th Percentile $127,012

Real Estate Agent Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$59,314
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$52,550
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$47,347
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$45,786
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Chicago

Education

Most real estate agent positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

NegotiationMarket AnalysisCustomer ServiceMLS SystemsMarketingContract Knowledge

Job Outlook

Nationally, real estate agent employment is projected to grow 3% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Real Estate Agent Jobs in Chicago

Browse open real estate agent positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Real Estate Agent Salary in Chicago

How much does a Real Estate Agent make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median real estate agent salary in Chicago, Illinois is $58,794 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $52,030. Salaries range from $32,544 (10th percentile) to $127,012 (90th percentile).
How much does a Real Estate Agent make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $58,794, a real estate agent in Chicago earns approximately $28 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for real estate agent pay? ▼
Chicago's median real estate agent salary of $58,794 is 11.9% above the Illinois state average of $52,550. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a real estate agent salary of $58,794 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a real estate agent in Chicago? ▼
Most real estate agent positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include Negotiation, Market Analysis, Customer Service, MLS Systems. The job market is projected to grow 3% nationally over the next decade.