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Real Estate Agent License Cost in Illinois 2026: $296 Fees, $57K Salary

Getting a Real Estate Agent license in Illinois costs $296 upfront. At state-adjusted salaries, that pays back in 0.2 months.

Real Estate Agent License in Illinois — Key Numbers

$296
Upfront Cost
$57K
Median Salary (Licensed)
$150
Renewal (every 2 yrs)
0.2 mo
Payback Period

Salary data: BLS OEWS 2024 state estimates. Fees: state licensing board schedules.

Real Estate Agent License Cost Breakdown — Illinois

Exam fee $46
Application fee $125
Initial license fee $125
Total upfront $296
Renewal fee (every 2 yrs) $150
CE hours required per cycle 24 hours
Salary without license (Illinois) $36,720/yr
Salary with license (Illinois) $57,120/yr
5-year net ROI $102K

Licensing body: Illinois Real Estate Commission. Verify current fees before applying — schedules change.

Real Estate Agent License in Illinois — What to Know

Illinois runs one of the more expensive real estate licensing processes in the country. The state's commission sets education requirements — typically 45–180 hours of pre-license coursework — before you can sit for the exam. Licensed agents in Illinois earn $57K on average, with top producers in coastal metros well above that. Commission splits at established brokerages in Illinois run 50/50 to 70/30 for new agents. The license pays back fast in active markets — the upfront cost is small compared to a single closed transaction.

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Other License Costs in Illinois

Registered Nurse → CPA → General Contractor →
← All states: Real Estate Agent License Costs
All certifications in Illinois · Payback period by state
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