Paralegal Salary in Illinois
Based on 14K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$63,670
$30.61/hr
vs National Average
$62,104
+2.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$47K – $105K
14K employed in Illinois
Paralegals in Illinois earn a median salary of $63,670 per year, which sits 3% above the national average. With approximately 14,130 paralegals employed across the state, Illinois offers competitive compensation within the legal services sector. Salaries in the state range from $46,860 to $104,580 annually, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence paralegal salary in Illinois, including experience level, educational background, and employer type. Attorneys' offices, corporate legal departments, and government agencies often pay differently based on their resources and client base. Geographic location within the state, whether urban or rural, can also affect compensation. Specialization in high-demand practice areas such as litigation or intellectual property typically commands higher wages than general paralegal work.
Salary Distribution — Paralegal in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $46,860 |
| 25th percentile | $56,160 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $63,670 |
| 75th percentile | $81,970 |
| 90th percentile | $104,580 |
Top-Paying Industries for Paralegal (U.S.)
Which industries pay Paralegals the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Paralegals in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Wholesale Trade | $97,880 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $97,640 | 1K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $96,380 | 110 |
| Utilities | $95,330 | 280 |
| Real Estate and Rental and Leasing | $94,940 | 1K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Paralegal in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $60,370 |
| 2023 | $57,360 |
| 2024 | $62,290 |
| 2025 | $63,670 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,081 |
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 | $60,370 | $55,984 |
| 2023 | $57,360 | $58,945 |
| 2024 | $62,290 | $58,959 |
| 2025 | $63,670 | $62,104 |
| 2026 (projected) | $65,081 | $63,480 |
Paralegal Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $56,160 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $63,670 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $81,970 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $104,580 |
Paralegal Salary in Other States
Related Paralegal Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Paralegal ($63,670 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Paralegal | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer in IL | $160,800 | +152.6% | $77.31/hr |
| Title Examiner in IL | $49,990 | -21.5% | $24.03/hr |
| Kindergarten Teacher in IL | $64,020 | +0.5% | $30.78/hr |
| Insurance Sales Agent in IL | $64,280 | +1.0% | $30.90/hr |
| Librarian in IL | $62,700 | -1.5% | $30.14/hr |
| Graphic Designer in IL | $62,560 | -1.7% | $30.08/hr |
| Real Estate Broker in IL | $62,540 | -1.8% | $30.07/hr |
| School Counselor in IL | $62,420 | -2.0% | $30.01/hr |
| Audio and Video Technician in IL | $60,740 | -4.6% | $29.20/hr |
| Mental Health Counselor in IL | $60,730 | -4.6% | $29.20/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IL | $60,690 | -4.7% | $29.18/hr |
| Truck Driver in IL | $60,320 | -5.3% | $29.00/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals make in Illinois?
- The median salary for paralegals in Illinois is $63,670 per year, or $31 per hour. This is 2.5% higher than the national average, making Illinois a competitive state for paralegal compensation.
What is the salary range for paralegals in Illinois?
- Paralegal salaries in Illinois range from $46,860 at the lower end to $104,580 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type.
Is paralegal a well-paid job in Illinois compared to the US average?
- Yes, paralegals in Illinois earn 2.5% more than the national average. With a median salary of $63,670, Illinois offers above-average compensation for this profession.
How many paralegals work in Illinois?
- There are approximately 14,130 paralegals employed in Illinois, representing a substantial workforce in the state's legal services industry.