Chicago vs Rockford: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Chicago, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,717▲ | $48,608 |
| Hourly Rate | $30.16▲ | $23.37 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,052▲ | $31,668 |
| 25th Percentile | $42,468▲ | $35,525 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,717 | $96,801▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $75,080 | $96,801▲ |
| Total Employed | 5,100 | N/A |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Rockford.
The salary gap between Chicago and Rockford is $14,109 (29.03%). 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 Chicago spans $37,028,Rockford spans $65,133. Rockford 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, Chicago ($60,541 effective) pays 14.78% more than Rockford ($52,746 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,801)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Chicago grew 103.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 58.1% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$30,430 (2019) → $61,790 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$30,290 (2019) → $47,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Chicago or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Rockford as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Chicago vs Rockford?
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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