Champaign vs Chicago: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Champaign, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,793 | $62,717▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.66 | $30.16▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,668 | $38,052▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,693 | $42,468▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $58,241 | $62,717▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,410▲ | $75,080 |
| Total Employed | 130 | 5,100▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Chicago is $23,924 (61.67%). Chicago's median is +16.96% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $65,742,Chicago spans $37,028. Champaign has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($60,541 effective) pays 44.67% 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 Champaign if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,410)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,717/year)
- ✓Larger job market (5,100 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,541)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Champaign grew 3.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 103.1% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$36,790 (2019) → $38,220 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$30,430 (2019) → $61,790 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Champaign or Chicago?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Chicago?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Chicago as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Champaign vs Chicago?
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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