Lawyer Salary in Illinois
Based on 34K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$160,800
$77.308/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+19.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $330K
34K employed in Illinois
Lawyers practicing in Illinois earn a median salary of $160,800 per year, positioning the state well above the national average at 19% higher. With approximately 33,590 legal professionals employed across the state, Illinois represents a significant market for attorney compensation. Salaries in the field range from $82,160 to $330,200 annually, reflecting considerable variation based on individual circumstances.
Lawyer salary in Illinois varies significantly depending on factors such as years of experience, practice area specialization, firm size, and geographic location within the state. Attorneys working in major metropolitan areas like Chicago typically command higher salaries than those in rural regions. Additional variables include education credentials, bar exam performance, client base, and whether lawyers work in private practice, government, or corporate settings.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,160 |
| 25th percentile | $103,020 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $160,800 |
| 75th percentile | $224,450 |
| 90th percentile | $330,200 |
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $133,440 |
| 2023 | $161,880 |
| 2024 | $157,320 |
| 2025 | $160,800 |
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $133,440 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $161,880 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $157,320 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $160,800 | $134,712 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Illinois?
- The median salary for lawyers in Illinois is $160,800 per year, or $77 per hour. This is 19.4% higher than the national average, making Illinois one of the better-paying states for legal professionals.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Illinois?
- Lawyer salaries in Illinois range from $82,160 at the lower end to $330,200 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, firm size, and location within the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 33,590 lawyers currently employed in Illinois, representing a substantial legal workforce across the state's various industries and practice areas.
Is the Illinois lawyer salary above the national average?
- Yes, Illinois lawyer salaries are significantly above the national average. The median salary of $160,800 in Illinois represents a 19.4% premium compared to what lawyers earn nationally.