Entry-Level Real Estate Agent Salary in Moline, IL: $30,617 (2026)
Quick Answer:New real estate agents entering the Moline, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,617 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 41-9022, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Moline's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,531 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($48,529) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a new graduate entering the real estate market in Moline, Illinois, can expect a starting salary that varies significantly depending on their experiences and connections. The entry-level real estate agent salary in Moline is projected to begin at around $30,617, which is considerably lower than the city median of $48,529. Aspiring agents should realistically anticipate a gradual growth trajectory as they gain skills and build networks; the progression from $30,617 through the $36,680 range for those more successful in their early years signifies opportunities for financial improvement. Given the overall projected growth rate of 1.50% annually and the moderate cost of living index of 97.1, Moline presents a reasonable market for new graduates eager to make their mark in real estate.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Moline
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moline
Entry-level real estate agents in Moline, IL typically start between $30,617 and $36,680 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,604 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $48,529 — 9.5% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average real estate program cost in Illinois of $2,200 represents just 7.19% of the starting real estate agent pay ($30,617/year) in Moline. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Cost estimates include state-mandated pre-licensing courses, exam fees, background checks, initial license, and MLS/NAR dues. Agents typically pay for business expenses themselves. Brokers require additional experience and post-licensing education.
REA Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Moline
- 1Research the Moline market: entry-level real estate agent pay ranges from $30,617 to $36,680, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the real estate field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Moline, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Moline for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Moline's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Real Estate Agent Compensation Range
The real estate agent wage spread in Moline is $44,604 ( 145.68%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,617, experienced hygienists can earn up to $75,221.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,809
2025 BLS Actual
$30,165
2026 Current Est.
$30,617
2019–2027 Growth
+36.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,809 | Actual |
| 2020 | $22,965 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,865 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,652 | Actual |
| 2023 | $28,738 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,806 | Actual |
| 2025 | $30,165 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,617 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,077 | Projected |
Entry-level real estate agent compensation (10th percentile) in Moline, IL grew 32.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,809 in 2019 to $30,165 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,077. New graduates entering the Moline job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moline metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 1.50% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your real estate Career in Moline
Navigating the early stages of a real estate career in Moline requires both diligence and an understanding of employer expectations. Major national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams, RE/MAX, and Coldwell Banker frequently recruit entry-level agents, providing structured training and mentorship in exchange for commission splits. Many of these firms operate team-based environments, offering salaries plus bonuses for new agents starting as buyers' agents. To enhance starting real estate agent pay in Illinois, obtaining a state real estate sales license is essential, and associations like the NAR provide valuable credibility through designations like the REALTOR® trademark. As agents progress through their first few years, they should anticipate that the recent industry changes following the 2024 NAR settlement will impact commission structures. Many agents function as independent contractors, leading to a competitive landscape where the top 20% command a significant portion of commission income. While the path to higher earnings may be challenging initially, realistic salary improvements can occur with dedication and ongoing education in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new real estate graduates. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Moline. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Moline is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.50%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for real estate agents (SOC 41-9022).
Compiled and verified by Maria Gonzalez, REALTOR®, a licensed real estate agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov