Business & Finance Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Paralegal Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median paralegal salary in Chicago, IL is $66,896 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median and 11.9% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$66,896
vs State Avg
+$7,104
vs National
+$7,696
Cost of Living
107%

Paralegal Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level paralegal earns around $45,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $96,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,200
+$5,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$67,800
+$7,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$96,050
+$11,050 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $43,392
25th Percentile $52,884
Median (50th) $66,896
75th Percentile $84,750
90th Percentile $104,412

Paralegal Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$67,488
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$59,792
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$53,872
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$52,096
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Paralegal in Chicago

Education

Most paralegal positions require a associate's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchDocument DraftingCase ManagementWestlaw/LexisNexisAttention to DetailCommunication

Job Outlook

Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 4% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Paralegal Jobs in Chicago

Browse open paralegal positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Paralegal Salary in Chicago

How much does a Paralegal make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median paralegal salary in Chicago, Illinois is $66,896 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $59,200. Salaries range from $43,392 (10th percentile) to $104,412 (90th percentile).
How much does a Paralegal make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $66,896, a paralegal in Chicago earns approximately $32 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for paralegal pay? ▼
Chicago's median paralegal salary of $66,896 is 11.9% above the Illinois state average of $59,792. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a paralegal salary of $66,896 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a paralegal in Chicago? ▼
Most paralegal positions in Chicago require a associate's degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Document Drafting, Case Management, Westlaw/LexisNexis. The job market is projected to grow 4% nationally over the next decade.