Legal Illinois (IL) Rank #24 of 50

Lawyer Salary in Illinois

The median lawyer salary in Illinois is $128,953 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary

$128,953

vs National

$-6,787

State Rank

#24 of 50

Cost of Living

95%

Lawyer Salary in Illinois by Experience

In Illinois, an entry-level lawyer earns around $66,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $209,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$66,500

$-3,500 vs national

Mid Level (3-7 yrs)

$131,100

$-6,900 vs national

Senior Level (8+ yrs)

$209,000

$-11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Illinois

Percentile	IL Salary	National	Difference
10th Percentile	$61,750	$65,000	$-3,250
25th Percentile	$80,750	$85,000	$-4,250
Median (50th)	$128,953	$135,740	$-6,787
75th Percentile	$176,700	$186,000	$-9,300
90th Percentile	$227,240	$239,200	$-11,960

Lawyer Salary by City in Illinois

The largest employment areas for lawyers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

Chicago, IL

$145,242

Pop. 2,693,976 · COL 107%

Aurora, IL

$128,953

Pop. 197,757 · COL 95%

Naperville, IL

$146,599

Pop. 149,540 · COL 108%

Rockford, IL

$111,307

Pop. 148,655 · COL 82%

Springfield, IL

$115,379

Pop. 114,394 · COL 85%

How to Become a Lawyer in Illinois

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in Illinois

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.