Application Fee
See agencyVerified 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 agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 17, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
State exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Real Estate Broker in Illinois
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: No educational requirements.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.
- 4
Physical Requirement: No physical requirements.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
Exam and processing details
- State exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- 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
$55,290 median (24% below national)
- State Salary Rank
#41 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Illinois eligibility requirements for Real Estate Broker licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: No educational requirements.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
- 6. Submit the application to Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of $55,290, Real Estate Brokers in Illinois earn 24% below the national median of $72,280. Illinois ranks #41 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
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 | Varies by board |
| Wisconsin | $63,690 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 5 years |
| Iowa | $116,920 | Specific course required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Missouri | $58,690 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | 18 years |
| Kentucky | $64,210 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Indiana | $76,330 | No educational requirements | State exam required | 18 years |
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. 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
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Architect | $79,320 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
| Audio and Video Technicians | $55,030 | Specific course required | Varies by board |
| Certified Public Accountant | $79,300 | Degree required | Varies by board |
| Civil Engineer | $97,640 | No educational requirements | Varies by board |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Real Estate Broker 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 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 $35,950 (10th percentile) to $133,340 (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 $72,280, with a state median of $55,290.
How many Real Estate Brokers work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 1,620 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. Verify directly with the agency.
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/.
How often do you renew a Real Estate Broker license in Illinois?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.