Real Estate Agent Salary in Arlington Heights, IL: $45,878 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time real estate agent in Arlington Heights, IL earns a median $45,878/year (≈ $22.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 41-9022). Once you factor in Arlington Heights's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $47,248 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, real estate agents in Arlington Heights, IL, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $45,878. This amount places local agents about 14.44% below the national median of $53,622. The salary range for agents in this area varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $30,196 (P10) and experienced agents potentially earning as much as $71,111 (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for local economic conditions and purchasing power, reflect the impact of the recent changes in commission structures following the 2024 NAR settlement. As the market adapts, agents must navigate competitive pressures that influence their earnings potential in Arlington Heights.
About the Arlington Heights Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,196 | $14.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $35,601 | $17.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $45,878 | $22.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,724 | $28.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,111 | $34.19 |
Median Salary Position
14.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arlington Heights
In Arlington Heights, IL, the real estate agent salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,915 (2026 est.). At $45,878, the local median is 14.44% below the national median of $53,622.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Arlington Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Arlington Heights Real Estate Agent Pay Compares
Arlington Heights median: $45,878/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arlington Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $46,624 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $53,622 | -14.44% less |
Real Estate Agents in Arlington Heights, IL earn a median of $45,878 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.44% lower than the national median of $53,622 and 1.60% below the Illinois state average of $46,624.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arlington Heights 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.
Arlington Heights, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A real estate agent earning $45,878 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $47,248 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,863
2025 BLS Actual
$45,200
2026 Current Est.
$45,878
2019–2027 Growth
+11.2%
Salary Trajectory for Real Estate Agents in Arlington Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 1.50% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,863 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,957 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,358 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,762 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,978 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,200 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45,878 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46,566 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arlington Heights metropolitan area, the median real estate agent salary grew 8.0% from $41,863 (2019) to $45,200 (2025). At a 1.50% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $46,566 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,703 (11.23%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arlington Heights 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) | $30,196 – $35,601 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $35,601 – $45,878 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $45,878 – $58,724 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,724 – $71,111 |
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 Arlington Heights
With 18 real estate agents currently employed in Arlington Heights, the local job market offers tailored opportunities for professionals navigating their career paths. The cost of living index in the area stands at 97.1, suggesting a more affordable setting compared to national averages. Despite the overall lower pay, agents affiliated with established national brokerages such as Keller Williams or RE/MAX might find higher earning potential due to greater brand recognition and support. Meanwhile, independent brokerages may vary in commissions based on transaction volume, average sale price, and specialty markets, such as luxury properties. To optimize their pay, new and seasoned agents should consider joining effective teams for better lead generation or specializing in high-demand markets, capitalizing on the nuanced income dynamics shaped by current industry trends and commission structures in real estate agent pay in Arlington Heights, IL.
More salary data for Arlington Heights, 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 $45,200 for real estate agentsin the Arlington Heights 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 Arlington Heights 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