Decatur vs Rockford: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Decatur, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Decatur, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,270 | $48,608▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.73 | $23.37▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $29,563 | $31,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $35,555▲ | $35,525 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,505 | $96,801▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,268 | $96,801▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | N/A |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Decatur.
The salary gap between Decatur and Rockford is $1,338 (2.83%). Rockford's median is -9.35% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Decatur spans $43,705,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, Rockford ($52,746 effective) pays 8.35% more than Decatur ($48,682 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Decatur if…
- ✓Larger job market (13 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,608/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,801)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,746)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Decatur grew -30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 58.1% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Decatur, IL
$66,950 (2024) → $46,571 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$30,290 (2019) → $47,890 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Decatur, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Decatur or Rockford?
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Should I relocate from Decatur to Rockford as a real estate agent?
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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