Legal Springfield, IL Pop. 114,394

Lawyer Salary in Springfield, Illinois

The median lawyer salary in Springfield, IL is $115,379 per year, which is 15% below the national median and 10.5% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$115,379
vs State Avg
$-13,574
vs National
$-20,361
Cost of Living
85%

Lawyer Pay in Springfield: What to Expect (2026)

Springfield offers a median lawyer salary of $115,379, which is $13,574 below the Illinois state average of $128,953. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Springfield pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Springfield's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 85% of the national average. This means the $115,379 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $135,740 in an average-cost city. This makes Springfield an attractive option for lawyers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for lawyers in Springfield spans from $55,250 at the 10th percentile to $203,320 at the 90th percentile — a $148,070 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $59,500, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $187,000. With a population of 114,394, Springfield is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Springfield by Experience

In Springfield, an entry-level lawyer earns around $59,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $187,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$59,500
$-10,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$117,300
$-20,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$187,000
$-33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Springfield, IL

Percentile Springfield
10th Percentile $55,250
25th Percentile $72,250
Median (50th) $115,379
75th Percentile $158,100
90th Percentile $203,320

Lawyer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Springfield

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Springfield 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 Springfield may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Springfield

Browse open lawyer positions in Springfield, IL:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Springfield

How much does a Lawyer make in Springfield, IL? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Springfield, Illinois is $115,379 per year, which is 15% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $55,250 (10th percentile) to $203,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Springfield? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $115,379, a lawyer in Springfield earns approximately $55 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Springfield compare to the Illinois state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Springfield's median lawyer salary of $115,379 is 10.5% below the Illinois state average of $128,953. The local cost of living index is 85% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Springfield, IL? ▼
Springfield has a cost of living index of 85% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $115,379 in Springfield has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Springfield? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Springfield require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.