Legal Chicago, IL
Pop. 2,693,976
Lawyer Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median lawyer salary in Chicago, IL is $145,242 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.
City Median
$145,242
vs State Avg
+$16,289
vs National
+$9,502
Cost of Living
107%
Lawyer Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level lawyer earns around $74,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $235,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,900
+$4,900 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$147,660
+$9,660 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$235,400
+$15,400 vs national
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $69,550 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,950 |
| Median (50th) | $145,242 |
| 75th Percentile | $199,020 |
| 90th Percentile | $255,944 |
Lawyer Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a Lawyer in Chicago
Education
Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy
Job Outlook
Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.