Arlington Heights vs Peoria: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Arlington Heights, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Arlington Heights, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $45,878 | $47,197▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.06 | $22.70▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,196 | $31,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,601▲ | $35,200 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,724 | $68,665▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,111 | $95,938▲ |
| Total Employed | 18 | 100▲ |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Arlington Heights.
The salary gap between Arlington Heights and Peoria is $1,319 (2.88%). Peoria's median is -11.98% 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,Peoria spans $64,270. Peoria 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, Peoria ($51,734 effective) pays 9.49% more than Arlington Heights ($47,248 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Arlington Heights if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,197/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,938)
- ✓Larger job market (100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $51,734)
- ✓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 51.5% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Arlington Heights, IL
$64,978 (2024) → $45,200 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$30,690 (2019) → $46,500 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Arlington Heights, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Arlington Heights or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Arlington Heights and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Arlington Heights to Peoria as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Arlington Heights vs Peoria?
Related Comparisons
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