Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Business
Real Estate Agent Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate agent in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Real Estate Agent in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Experience: No experience required
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$51,210 median (9% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#25 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of 51,210, Real Estate Agents in Illinois earn 9% below the national median of $56,320. Illinois ranks #25 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
Median annual salary
$51,210Hourly estimate
$24.629% below national median
Difference: -$5,110
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Agent Salary Ranking
#25 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Agent median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New York | 97,440 |
| #2 | Alaska | 85,800 |
| #3 | Massachusetts | 85,170 |
| #4 | Vermont | 82,630 |
| #5 | New Mexico | 79,790 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Agent licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $51,210 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $49,480 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $36,420 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $38,910 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $39,270 | Degree required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $50,990 | Degree required | No exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786
Phone: 2177828556
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Certified Public Accountant | $79,300 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Civil Engineer | $97,640 | No educational requirements | 6-24 months |
| Financial Advisor | $104,310 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Real Estate Agents in Illinois?
Illinois lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Agents.
What education do you need to become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Real Estate Agent licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Real Estate Agent salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Agents in Illinois is 51,210. Salaries range from $34,340 (10th percentile) to $85,440 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Agent salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Real Estate Agents in Illinois earn 9% below the national median of $56,320, with a state median of 51,210.
How many Real Estate Agents work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 4,220 Real Estate Agents according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Agent license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Real Estate Agents in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.