Application Fee
See board websiteVerified by IL Board of Business
Real Estate Broker Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for real estate broker in Illinois, including See board website and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Real Estate Broker in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: State exam required
- Application Fee: See board website
- 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 board website
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$55,290 median (24% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education: No educational requirements.
- 3. Pass the required examination: State exam required.
- 4. Submit your application to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of 55,290, Real Estate Brokers in Illinois earn 24% below the national median of 72280. Illinois ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$55,290Hourly estimate
$26.5824% below national median
Difference: -$16,990
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationReal Estate Broker Salary Ranking
#41 of 50 statesfor Real Estate Broker median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Iowa | 116,920 |
| #2 | Massachusetts | 112,180 |
| #3 | New York | 94,170 |
| #4 | New Jersey | 92,890 |
| #5 | Connecticut | 90,910 |
Nearby States Comparison
Real Estate Broker licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $55,290 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $63,690 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $116,920 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $58,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $64,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $76,330 | No educational requirements | State 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 | 54 | 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 | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Kentucky | 78 | High | Board-specific review 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.
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 Broker 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 Brokers in Illinois?
Illinois lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Real Estate Brokers.
What education do you need to become a Real Estate Broker in Illinois?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Real Estate Broker salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Real Estate Brokers in Illinois is 55,290. Salaries range from 35950 (10th percentile) to 133340 (90th percentile).
How does the Real Estate Broker salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Real Estate Brokers in Illinois earn 24% below the national median of 72280, with a state median of 55,290.
How many Real Estate Brokers work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 1620 Real Estate Brokers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Real Estate Broker 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.
Who is the licensing agency for Real Estate Brokers in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Review agency details at https://www.idfpr.com/.