Lawyer Salary in Illinois
Based on 34K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$160,800
$77.31/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 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $133,440 |
| 2023 | $161,880 |
| 2024 | $157,320 |
| 2025 | $160,800 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,357 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| 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 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,357 | $137,692 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,020 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $160,800 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $224,450 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $330,200 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Lawyer ($160,800 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in IL | $63,670 | -60.4% | $30.61/hr |
| Title Examiner in IL | $49,990 | -68.9% | $24.03/hr |
| Marketing Manager in IL | $162,860 | +1.3% | $78.30/hr |
| Engineering Manager in IL | $163,610 | +1.7% | $78.66/hr |
| Dentist in IL | $156,110 | -2.9% | $75.05/hr |
| Financial Manager in IL | $165,880 | +3.2% | $79.75/hr |
| Sales Manager in IL | $155,280 | -3.4% | $74.65/hr |
| Podiatrist in IL | $167,400 | +4.1% | $80.48/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in IL | $153,370 | -4.6% | $73.74/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in IL | $151,370 | -5.9% | $72.77/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in IL | $171,730 | +6.8% | $82.56/hr |
| Optometrist in IL | $145,620 | -9.4% | $70.01/hr |
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.