Residential Leasing Agent Salaries in Illinois: A Comprehensive Guide
Stay updated with industry news, learn about life as a real estate agent, and get exclusive offers on our course!
According to IndeedLeasing Agent Salaries IL Career, the average base wage for a leasing agent in Illinois is $19.31 per hour — slightly above the national average of $18.99/hour. That said, your actual earnings will depend on where you work in the state, your experience level, and the type of properties you lease.
If you're considering a career as a residential leasing agent in Illinois, here's what you can expect to earn and what it takes to get started.
Illinois Leasing Agent Salary at a Glance
| State | Average Hourly Rate |
|---|---|
| Illinois | $19.31/hr |
| National average | $18.99/hr |
| Indiana | $17.29/hr |
| Michigan | $12.48/hr |
| California | $22.22/hr |
Source: Indeed, data current as of late 2025.
What Does a Leasing Agent Do in Illinois?
Residential leasing agents in Illinois work on behalf of property owners to list, market, and rent apartments, condos, and homes. Day-to-day responsibilities include updating rental listings, scheduling showings, managing the application and approval process, and — per Illinois state lawIlcs Ilcs4.asp?DocName=022504540HArt.+5&ActID=1364&ChapterID=24&SeqStart=450000&SeqEnd=3100000 Legislation — supervising the collection of rent for currently leased properties.
It's worth noting what leasing agents cannot do. In Illinois, leasing agents are restricted to rental activities only — they may not list properties for sale, represent buyers or sellers, or negotiate sales contracts. If those activities interest you, the next step would be earning a full Illinois real estate broker licenseIllinois Broker Real Estate License.
Start Your Real Estate Journey as a Leasing Agent in Illinois
Get licensed, gain valuable experience, and open the door to long-term career opportunities in real estate.
Illinois Leasing Agent License Requirements
To work as a licensed residential leasing agent in Illinois, you must meet the following requirements set by the IDFPR Division of Real EstateProfs Realest.html Idfpr.illinois.gov:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum age | 18 |
| Minimum education | High school diploma or GED |
| Pre-license education | 15 hours (IDFPR-approved) |
| Exam | Must pass within 120 days of beginning work |
| Sponsorship | Must work under a licensed sponsoring broker |
You can complete the 15-hour pre-license course online through AceableAgent's Illinois residential leasing agent courseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate LicenseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate License.
What Affects Your Salary as an Illinois Leasing Agent?
Leasing agent pay varies significantly across Illinois. A few key factors drive those differences:
Geographic location. Markets with higher-end or high-volume rental inventory tend to pay more. Cities like Chicago, Wheeling, and Buffalo Grove consistently rank among the higher-paying Illinois markets for leasing agents.
Property type and employer size. Larger property management firms with established portfolios often pay higher base wages than smaller operations. Agents working luxury or high-rise residential properties may also earn more.
Experience level. Entry-level agents start at the lower end of the pay range. As you build knowledge of the rental market, landlord-tenant law, and leasing software, your earning potential increases.
Commission and bonus structure. Some leasing agent positions include performance bonuses or commission on signed leases, which can meaningfully supplement an hourly base wage.
How to Grow Your Earnings as a Leasing Agent
A leasing agent position is one of the most accessible entry points into real estate — and one with a clear path to higher earnings. A few strategies that help:
Building strong client and property manager relationships leads to repeat business and referrals, both of which increase your volume and, in commission-based roles, your income. Developing expertise in a specific niche — corporate housing, student apartments, or luxury rentals — can also make you more valuable to employers in that segment.
For agents who want to significantly expand their earning potential, upgrading to a full broker license opens the door to sales commissions and a much wider scope of work. Learn more about how to get your Illinois real estate broker licenseIllinois How To Get Illinois Brokers License Career Center and what the path looks like from leasing into sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a leasing agent make in Illinois per hour?
According to Indeed, the average is $19.31 per hour in Illinois as of September 2025, slightly above the national average of $18.99/hour.
Do leasing agents in Illinois earn commission?
Some positions include performance bonuses or commission on signed leases, though many leasing agent roles in Illinois are hourly. Compensation structure varies by employer.
How long does it take to get an Illinois leasing agent license?
The required 15-hour pre-license course can be completed in a matter of days, and you must pass the state exam within 120 days of starting work in the field.
Can a leasing agent in Illinois sell real estate?
No. Illinois leasing agents are licensed for rental activities only. To represent buyers or sellers, you need a full Illinois real estate broker licenseIllinois Broker Real Estate License.
What is the difference between a leasing agent and a real estate broker in Illinois?
A leasing agent is limited to rental transactions, while a broker can handle both rentals and sales. Brokers also complete significantly more pre-license education — 75 hours versus 15. See our Illinois Career CenterIllinois Career Center for a full breakdown of both paths.
Ready to get started? AceableAgent's Illinois residential leasing agent courseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate LicenseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate License is online, self-paced, and IDFPR-approved. Take the first step toward your real estate career today.