Paralegal Salary in Illinois
Paralegals in Illinois earn an average of $63,636 per year across 1 metro area. This is +4.4% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$63,636
per year
Hourly Rate
$30.59
per hour
vs National
+4.4%
$60,970 national
Salary Range
$40,246
to $90,598
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$63,636
Cost of Living Index
95
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$66,985
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for Illinois's cost of living (below average), a Paralegal's salary of $63,636 has the purchasing power of $66,985 in an average-cost area.
Paralegal Salary by City in Illinois
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago, IL | $63,636 | $30.59/hr | $40,246 | $90,598 | 340 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
Illinois vs National Average
Paralegal Salary Comparison
Employment in Illinois
There are approximately 340 Paralegals employed across 1 metro area in Illinois.
Key Industries: Finance, Manufacturing, Technology
State Income Tax: 4.95% flat rate
Paralegal Salary Range in Illinois
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$40,246
Starting salary for new Paralegals
Median (50th Percentile)
$63,636
Mid-career Paralegal salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$90,598
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in Illinois
Paralegal Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Paralegal salaries in Illinois with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More Illinois Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegal salary in Illinois?
The average Paralegal salary in Illinois is $63,636 per year ($30.59/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 4.4% above the national average of $60,970.
What is the highest paying city for Paralegals in Illinois?
Chicago, IL is the highest paying city for Paralegals in Illinois, with a median salary of $63,636 per year.
What is the salary range for Paralegals in Illinois?
Paralegal salaries in Illinois range from $40,246 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $90,598 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $63,636 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.