Real Estate Agent in Illinois
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL
How to Become a Real Estate Agent in Illinois
To become a licensed Real Estate Broker in Illinois, individuals must complete 75 hours of IDFPR-approved pre-licensing education, which includes 60 hours of real estate topics and 15 hours of applied real estate principles. After completing the education, applicants must pass the Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam administered by PSI. Finally, candidates need to apply for their license through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), pay the $150 application fee, undergo a background check, and secure sponsorship from a managing broker. New brokers must also complete a 45-hour post-license course before their first renewal.
Real Estate Agent Requirements in Illinois
| Detail | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | 75-hour pre-licensing course |
| Exam | Illinois Real Estate Broker Exam (PSI) ($58) |
| Application Fee | $150 |
| Renewal | Every 2.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 12.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Illinois's entry-level license is called a 'Broker'. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. A 45-hour post-license course is required before the first renewal. All applicants must undergo a background check and obtain sponsorship from a managing broker. |
Source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR)
License Tiers
Illinois offers multiple tiers of real estate agent licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Broker | N/A |
| Managing Broker | N/A |
Real Estate Agent Salary in Illinois
The median real estate agent salary in Illinois is $51,210 per year, which is 9.1% below the national median of $56,320.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $34,340 |
| 25th | $40,280 |
| 50th (median) | $51,210 |
| 75th | $65,240 |
| 90th (experienced) | $85,440 |
Illinois employs approximately 4,220 real estate agents.
Real Estate Agent Job Outlook
AI Impact on Real Estate Agents
High AI Exposure (Score: 0.86/1.00)
Many tasks in this career are susceptible to AI automation. Long-term career planning should account for potential disruption.
Is Becoming a Real Estate Agent in Illinois Worth It?
Factors to consider: Illinois's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, elevated AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.