Ratings?

Depends on how hard you study. It wont happen overnight.As your rating improves you play players with higher ratings also. You must improve every day,and learn from your mistakes. Maybe 6 months to a year.

It took me six years to be consistently above 1500, from what I recall. But I don't really know what an "average person" is

I was here for about a year before I went above 1500. That's here, not OTB. I didn't study, aside from looking over games where I lost without making really dumb moves.

If you study, 1500 should be easily attainable. I think, if I can get there, almost anyone can.

I would say I went from about 1200 to 1600 in 6 months in 1 hour/day.

THen, I went from 1600 to 1620 in 6 months at 1 hour/day :(

You will hit your "natural level" by fixing your glaring weaknesses.  That might be 1300, or 1700.  After that, it will be a grind to slowly improve even 50 points.

@Just_WEC: "Let's Play!"

Hahaha :]

Oh man!  Allan is awesome!  I only knew of Olivia Busquet's interest in chess.  I absolutely love challenges like that!  Maybe 1500 is too low... :)