Real EstateOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years

Staff / Lead Real Estate Agent Salary in Chicago

2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.

$135,346/yr

Typical range: $125,566 $164,079

P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Real Estate Agent Salary Progression in Chicago

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
Entry0 yrs0 yrs$56,005$4,667
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$72,807$6,067+30%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$86,497$7,208+54%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$101,743$8,479+82%
StaffThis page10 yrs10 yrs$135,346$11,279+142%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$165,215$13,768+195%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$172,683$14,390+208%
Current Salary
$135,346
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $65/hr
Next Level Target
$165,215
Principal · 14
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
28/100
High Risk
+4% demand · Moderate AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the staff / lead Real Estate Agent salary in Chicago, IL?

Staff / Lead Real Estate Agents in Chicago, IL earn approximately $135K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a staff / lead Real Estate Agent make per hour in Chicago, IL?

Based on $135K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $65/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from staff / lead to senior Real Estate Agent in Chicago, IL?

The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Real Estate Agent in Chicago, IL earns $126K–$164K/yr.