Chicago vs Bloomington: Insurance Agent Salary (2026)
Compare insurance agent salaries between Chicago, IL and Bloomington, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Bloomington, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,733 | $84,993▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $34.49 | $40.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,487 | $44,351▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,624 | $58,254▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $104,108 | $105,931▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $169,697 | $185,154▲ |
| Total Employed | 11,870▲ | 780 |
Verdict
Bloomington, IL offers better overall compensation for insurance agents, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Chicago.
The salary gap between Chicago and Bloomington is $13,260 (18.49%). Bloomington's median is +31.73% compared to the US national median of $64,522.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $131,210,Bloomington spans $140,803. Bloomington has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced insurance agents.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bloomington ($90,866 effective) pays 31.23% more than Chicago ($69,244 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Larger job market (11,870 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($84,993/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($185,154)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $90,866)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, insurance agent salaries in Chicago grew 24.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 113.1% growth in Bloomington over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$55,520 (2019) → $69,240 (2025)
Bloomington, IL
$38,500 (2019) → $82,040 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Bloomington, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays insurance agents more: Chicago or Bloomington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Bloomington?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Bloomington as a insurance agent?
What do entry-level insurance agents earn in Chicago vs Bloomington?
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Written by Jordan Lee, MBA
Career Analyst
Jordan has over 10 years of experience in the insurance industry. He specializes in property and casualty insurance. He has worked in both agency and corporate settings.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.60% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, MBA, a licensed insurance agent with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov