Real Estate Agent Salary in Des Plaines, IL: $45,069 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Des Plaines, IL earns a median $45,069/year (≈ $21.67/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Des Plaines's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $46,415 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for real estate agents in Des Plaines, Illinois, is estimated at $45,069. This figure is notably below the national median of $53,622, reflecting a difference of 15.95% in compensation. Salary ranges in Des Plaines vary widely, with the lowest earners making around $28,401 and top-tier agents potentially earning up to $69,857. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicating that while opportunities exist, the local market operates under unique conditions following the post-2024 NAR settlement. This change has disrupted traditional commission structures and may influence the salary dynamics for agents in Des Plaines, impacting earnings potential and compensation trends moving forward.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,401 | $13.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $33,039 | $15.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,069 | $21.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $57,689 | $27.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $69,857 | $33.59 |
Median Salary Position
15.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Des Plaines
In Des Plaines, IL, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,456 (2026 est.). At $45,069, the local median is 15.95% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Des Plaines: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Des Plaines Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Des Plaines median: $45,069/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Des Plaines Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $46,607 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -15.95% less |
Real Estate Agents in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $45,069 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.95% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $46,607.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Des Plaines has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Des Plaines, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $45,069 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $46,415 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,125
2025 BLS Actual
$44,403
2026 Current Est.
$45,069
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,125 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,218 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,629 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,008 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,639 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,833 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,403 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,069 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,745 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $41,125 (2019) to $44,403 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,745 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,620 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $28,401 – $33,039 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $33,039 – $45,069 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,069 – $57,689 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $57,689 – $69,857 |
REA salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual real estate agent compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Real Estate Agent Job Market in Des Plaines
The real estate job market in Des Plaines employs only 12 agents, a small figure that reflects the more localized nature of real estate transactions in this area. The cost of living index sits at 97.1, slightly below the national average, indicating that the purchasing power may stretch further for agents earning a salary here. Among potential employers, national franchise brokerages like Keller Williams and RE/MAX typically offer higher pay due to their expansive marketing and lead generation resources, while local independent brokerages may provide more flexible commission structures. The disparity in earnings can largely be attributed to factors such as transaction volume, commission splits with brokerages, and the nature of the real estate market, whether residential or commercial. Agents can maximize their pay by connecting with luxury clients, utilizing a broad referral network, and staying informed about the implications of the adjusted commission models post-settlement. Effective planning, relationship-building, and aligning with the right brokerage can significantly enhance earnings in Des Plaines.
More salary data for Des Plaines, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,403 for real estate agentsin the Des Plaines metropolitan area. A 1.50% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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