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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 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Real Estate Agent in Illinois

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: No educational requirements.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $51,210 median (9% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #25 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Real Estate Agent licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.

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 Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.1%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,451

Median annual salary

$51,210

Hourly estimate

$24.62
9% below national median

Difference: -$5,110

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$34,340
  • P2525th percentile$40,280
  • P50Median$51,210
  • P7575th percentile$65,240
  • P9090th percentile$85,440

State vs National Median

State: $51,210
National: $56,320

Total employment: 4,220 | Annual openings: N/A

Real Estate Agent Salary Ranking

#25 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Agent median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1New York$97,440
#2Alaska$85,800
#3Massachusetts$85,170
#4Vermont$82,630
#5New Mexico$79,790

Nearby States Comparison

Real Estate Agent licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Illinois$51,210No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
Wisconsin$49,480Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Iowa$36,420Specific course requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Missouri$38,910Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Kentucky$39,270Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Indiana$50,990Degree requiredNo exam requiredVaries by board

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Illinois68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Wisconsin68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Iowa68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Missouri68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Kentucky68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Indiana68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation

320 West Washington, Springfield, IL, 62786

Phone: 2177828556

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Illinois

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$79,320No educational requirementsVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$55,030Specific course requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$79,300Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$97,640No educational requirementsVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, 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. 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/.

How often do you renew a Real Estate Agent license in Illinois?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.