Peoria vs Waukegan: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Peoria, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Peoria, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,197▲ | $46,686 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.70▲ | $22.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,668▲ | $28,302 |
| 25th Percentile | $35,200▲ | $34,409 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,665▲ | $59,758 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,938▲ | $72,363 |
| Total Employed | 100▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Peoria, IL offers better overall compensation for real estate agents, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Peoria and Waukegan is $511 (1.09%). 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 Peoria spans $64,270,Waukegan spans $44,061. Peoria 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, Peoria ($51,734 effective) pays 7.60% more than Waukegan ($48,080 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Peoria grew 51.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -30.4% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Peoria, IL
$30,690 (2019) → $46,500 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$66,123 (2024) → $45,996 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Peoria, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Peoria or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Peoria and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Peoria to Waukegan as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Peoria vs Waukegan?
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