Lawyer Salary in Illinois
Lawyers in Illinois earn an average of $154,087 per year across 1 metro area. This is +5.7% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$154,087
per year
Hourly Rate
$74.08
per hour
vs National
+5.7%
$145,760 national
Salary Range
$96,329
to $221,005
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$154,087
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$162,197
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Lawyer's salary of $154,087 has the purchasing power of $162,197 in an average-cost area.
Lawyer Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $154,087 | $74.08/hr | $96,329 | $221,005 | 490 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Lawyer Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 490 Lawyers employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Lawyer Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$96,329
Starting salary for new Lawyers
Median (50th Percentile)
$154,087
Mid-career Lawyer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$221,005
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Lawyer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Lawyer salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lawyer salary in Illinois?
The average Lawyer salary in Illinois is $154,087 per year ($74.08/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 5.7% above the national average of $145,760.
What is the highest paying city for Lawyers in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Lawyers in Illinois, with a median salary of $154,087 per year.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in Illinois?
Lawyer salaries in Illinois range from $96,329 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $221,005 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $154,087 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within Illinois. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.