Real Estate Agent Salary in Illinois

How Much Does a Real Estate Agent Make in Illinois?

The typical Real Estate Agent salary in Illinois ranges from $35,700 to $66,300, with the national median at $51,000.

Help clients buy, sell, and rent properties Your actual take-home pay as a Real Estate Agent in Illinois depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Illinois state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Real Estate Agent in Illinois

As a Real Estate Agent working in Illinois, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Real Estate Agent professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Illinois State Income Tax

Illinois has a state income tax that applies to all Real Estate Agent salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Illinois's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Illinois salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Real Estate Agent salary.

Cost of Living for Real Estate Agent in Illinois

Your Real Estate Agent salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Illinois. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $51,000 Real Estate Agent salary in a low-cost area of Illinois provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Real Estate Agent Salary Examples in Illinois

Here's what different Real Estate Agent salary levels look like in Illinois:

Entry-Level Real Estate Agent ($35,700)

• Gross annual salary: $35,700
• Federal tax: ~$4,284
• FICA: ~$2,731
• Illinois state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $24,990

Median Real Estate Agent ($51,000)

• Gross annual salary: $51,000
• Federal tax: ~$8,160
• FICA: ~$3,902
• Illinois state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $34,170

Experienced Real Estate Agent ($66,300)

• Gross annual salary: $66,300
• Federal tax: ~$14,586
• FICA: ~$5,072
• Illinois state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $39,780

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Illinois salary calculator.

Compare Real Estate Agent Salaries Across States

The same Real Estate Agent salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $51,000 Real Estate Agent salary in California results in about $2,550 to $5,100 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Real Estate Agent salary in Illinois?

The average Real Estate Agent salary in Illinois varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $51,000, with typical Illinois salaries ranging from $35,700 to $66,300.

How much does a Real Estate Agent make after taxes in Illinois?

After federal taxes, FICA, Illinois state tax, and typical deductions, a Real Estate Agent earning $51,000 in Illinois takes home approximately $33,150 to $35,700 per year.

Is Illinois a good state for Real Estate Agent professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Illinois's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Real Estate Agent take-home pay in Illinois?

Use our Illinois salary calculator →

Or compare Real Estate Agent salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.