Palatine vs Springfield: Real Estate Agent Salary (2026)
Compare real estate agent salaries between Palatine, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Palatine, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $46,712▲ | $44,690 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.46▲ | $21.49 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,168 | $31,668▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $34,459 | $34,622▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $59,792 | $69,903▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,404 | $97,663▲ |
| Total Employed | 16 | 80▲ |
Verdict
Palatine and Springfield are closely matched on overall real estate agent compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Palatine and Springfield is $2,022 (4.52%). Palatine's median is -12.89% compared to the US national median of $53,622.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Palatine spans $44,236,Springfield spans $65,995. Springfield 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, Springfield ($48,186 effective) pays 0.16% more than Palatine ($48,107 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Palatine if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($46,712/year)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,663)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $48,186)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, real estate agent salaries in Palatine grew -30.4% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 33.3% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Palatine, IL
$66,160 (2024) → $46,022 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$33,030 (2020) → $44,030 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Palatine, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays real estate agents more: Palatine or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Palatine and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Palatine to Springfield as a real estate agent?
What do entry-level real estate agents earn in Palatine vs Springfield?
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