Arlington Heights vs Champaign: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,878▲ | $38,793 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.06▲ | $18.66 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,196 | $31,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,601▲ | $34,693 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,724▲ | $58,241 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,111 | $97,410▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 130▲ |
Verdict
Arlington Heights and Champaign are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Champaign is $7,085 (18.26%). Arlington Heights's median is -14.44% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Arlington Heights spans $40,915,Champaign spans $65,742. Champaign has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced real estate agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Arlington Heights ($47,248 effective) pays 12.91% more than Champaign ($41,846 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($45,878/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $47,248)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,410)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Arlington Heights grew -30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.9% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$64,978 (2024) → $45,200 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$36,790 (2019) → $38,220 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Arlington Heights or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Champaign as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Arlington Heights vs Champaign?
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Written by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®
Career Analyst
Maria has 10 years of experience as a real estate agent. She specializes in residential properties. She works with a large brokerage in Texas.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 1.50% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov