Final answer:
The primary difference is that real estate sales associates in Illinois must work for licensed real estate brokers and cannot operate their own brokerage, while real estate brokers, or managing brokers, can operate a brokerage and supervise sales associates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary difference between a real estate broker (managing broker - Illinois) and a real estate sales associate (broker - Illinois) is that real estate sales associates must work for licensed real estate brokers rather than operate their own brokerage operation. This is outlined by Illinois law, which requires sales associates to work under the supervision of a managing broker. Managing brokers have additional responsibilities, including the ability to manage a brokerage, and are licensed to oversee sales associates. While both must be licensed by the government, the managing broker’s license is a step above the broker license generally held by sales associates.