Champaign vs Downers Grove: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Champaign, IL and Downers Grove, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Downers Grove, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $38,793 | $44,477▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $18.66 | $21.39▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,668▲ | $29,411 |
| 25th Percentile | $34,693▲ | $34,477 |
| 75th Percentile | $58,241▲ | $56,931 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,410▲ | $68,940 |
| Total Employed | 130▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Champaign and Downers Grove are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Champaign and Downers Grove is $5,684 (14.65%). Downers Grove's median is -17.05% 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,Downers Grove spans $39,529. 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, Downers Grove ($45,805 effective) pays 9.46% 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)
- ✓Larger job market (130 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Downers Grove if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($44,477/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $45,805)
- ✓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 -30.4% growth in Downers Grove over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$36,790 (2019) → $38,220 (2025)
Downers Grove, IL
$62,994 (2024) → $43,820 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Downers Grove, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Champaign or Downers Grove?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Downers Grove?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Downers Grove as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Champaign vs Downers Grove?
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