Illinois Leasing Agent vs Broker: Which Real Estate Career Path is Right for You?

Illinois leasing agents require 15 hours of education and earn $35,000–$50,000 annually. Real estate brokers require 75 hours of education and earn $50,000–$150,000+, with top producers in Chicago exceeding $200,000. The right choice depends on your career goals, timeline, and income expectations.

Both licenses let you work in Illinois real estate, but they come with different scopes, requirements, and earning potential. Here's how to decide which path fits you.

Illinois Leasing Agent vs Broker: Side-by-Side Comparison

Factor	Leasing Agent	Broker
Education required	15 hours	75 hours
Exam	State only	State + National
Scope of work	Rentals only	Rentals + Sales
Average salary	$35,000–$50,000	$50,000–$150,000+
Time to license	2–4 weeks	2–4 months
Post-licensing education	None	45 hours (first renewal)
Continuing education	8 hours/renewal	12 hours/renewal
Pay structure	Salary + bonuses	Commission-based

What Does an Illinois Leasing Agent Do?

Leasing agents specialize in rental properties — showing apartments, processing applications, preparing leases, and helping landlords fill vacancies. You'll work with tenants looking for apartments, condos, and rental homes.

Requirements:

• 18 years old
• 15 hours of pre-licensing education
• Pass the Illinois leasing agent exam
• Work under a managing broker

Best for: People who want quick entry into real estate with steady income and lower risk. The 15-hour leasing agent courseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate LicenseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate License can be completed in a few days, and you can be licensed within weeks.

Limitations: You cannot represent buyers or sellers in property sales — only rental transactions.

What Does an Illinois Real Estate Broker Do?

Brokers can handle both rentals and sales, representing buyers and sellers in property purchases. This includes listing homes, negotiating contracts, coordinating closings, and building long-term client relationships.

Requirements:

• 18 years old
• 75 hours of pre-licensing education (includes 15-hour interactive component)
• Pass both state and national exam portions
• Work under a managing broker
• Complete 45 hours of post-licensing educationIllinois Post Licensing Real Estate Continuing Education before your first license renewal

Best for: People committed to a long-term real estate career who want unlimited earning potential through sales commissions.

Trade-off: Higher upfront investment in time and education, plus income can be unpredictable — especially in your first year.

Which License Makes More Money?

Brokers have significantly higher earning potential, but leasing agents enjoy more predictable income.

Leasing agents typically earn $35,000–$50,000 through salary plus bonuses. In Chicago's competitive rental market, experienced leasing agents can earn $60,000+.

Brokers earn through commission — usually 2.5%–3% of each sale, split with their managing broker. A broker who closes one $350,000 sale per month could earn $80,000–$100,000+ annually. Top producers in the Chicago metro area regularly exceed $150,000–$200,000.

The catch: new brokers often earn less in their first year while building a client base. Commission-based income requires patience and hustle.

Can You Start as a Leasing Agent and Upgrade Later?

Yes — and many successful Illinois brokers take this path. Starting as a leasing agent lets you learn the business, build client relationships, and generate income while deciding if real estate is right for you.

To upgrade, you'll complete the additional 60 hours of broker education (75 total minus your existing 15), pass the broker exam, and meet all broker licensing requirementsIllinois Broker Real Estate LicenseIllinois Broker Real Estate License.

How to Decide: Leasing Agent vs Broker

Choose leasing agent if:

• You want to start quickly with minimal investment
• You prefer steady, predictable income
• You're testing whether real estate is right for you
• You're primarily interested in rental properties

Choose broker if:

• You're committed to a long-term real estate career
• You want unlimited earning potential
• You're comfortable with commission-based income
• You want to work in both rentals and sales

Get Started Today

Ready to launch your Illinois real estate career? AceableAgent offers state-approved courses for both paths:

• 15-hour leasing agent courseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate LicenseIllinois Residential Leasing Agent Real Estate License — get licensed in weeks
• 75-hour broker courseIllinois Broker Real Estate LicenseIllinois Broker Real Estate License — unlock full career potential

Common Questions About Illinois Leasing Agents and Brokers

Can a leasing agent sell homes in Illinois?

No. Leasing agents can only handle rental transactions. To represent buyers or sellers in property sales, you need a broker license.

How long does it take to become an Illinois broker?

Most people complete the 75-hour course and licensing process in 2–4 months, depending on study pace and exam scheduling.

Which license is better for beginners?

Leasing agent offers a faster, lower-risk entry point. Many agents start there and upgrade to a broker license after gaining experience.

Do both licenses require continuing education?

Yes. Leasing agents complete 8 hours of CE per renewal period (first renewal is exempt). Brokers must complete 45 hours of post-licensing education before their first renewal, then 12 hours of CE every two years after that.