Lawyers in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $177,740, which is 8.8% lower than the national average of $194,940. This difference in compensation is often influenced by a variety of factors, including the state's specific economic landscape, the concentration of legal firms, and the demand for specialized legal services within Illinois.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $177,740 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $266,610.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 33,430 legal professionals, Illinois demonstrates a significant presence in the legal sector. The Location Quotient of 1.14 indicates that lawyers are 14% more concentrated in Illinois than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially competitive job market with a steady demand for legal expertise.
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in Illinois have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing legal complexity, evolving regulatory environments, and a growing economy typically drive upward pressure on legal compensation.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Illinois
The salary spectrum for lawyers in Illinois typically widens considerably with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries in the higher percentiles, reflecting a clear career progression and the value placed on expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $73,500 | $35.3 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $133,305 | $64.1 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $157,320 | $75.6 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $222,175 | $106.8 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $266,610 | $128.2 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$177,740
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$193,617
Adjusted for COL (91.8)
An average salary of $177,740 in Illinois, when compared to a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (meaning it's 8.2% cheaper than the national average), suggests that the nominal salary offers a relatively strong purchasing power. This lower cost of living can help offset the difference when compared to higher-paying states with a significantly higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
33,430
Total Jobs
5.512
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Illinois has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Lawyers roles compared to the national norm.
The Location Quotient of 1.14 for lawyers in Illinois signifies a slightly higher concentration of legal professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy, albeit potentially competitive, job market where demand for legal services is robust enough to support a workforce that is more concentrated than in many other states.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL Lawyers Salary | $127,550↓ 28% | 9 mi |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL Lawyers Salary | $137,800↓ 22% | 41 mi |
| Peoria, IL Lawyers Salary | $145,290↓ 18% | 43 mi |
| Springfield, IL Lawyers Salary | $142,740↓ 20% | 53 mi |
Comparing salaries near Illinois
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Illinois is $177,740. This typically ranges from $73,500 for entry-level positions to $266,610 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Illinois is 8.8% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Illinois a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Yes, with caveats.Illinois offers a substantial average salary of $177,740 for lawyers, which, combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides good financial standing. The strong concentration of legal professionals also indicates a healthy demand for their services.
Is Illinois a good place to live for Lawyers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.8 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Illinois?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($127,550) and Champaign-Urbana, IL.
How does the Illinois lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Illinois earn an average of $177,740 annually, which is approximately 8.8% less than the national average salary of $194,940.
What is the cost of living in Illinois relative to the national average?
Illinois has a Cost of Living Index of 91.8, meaning it is 8.2% more affordable to live in Illinois compared to the national average.
How concentrated is the legal profession in Illinois?
Illinois has a Location Quotient of 1.14 for lawyers, indicating that the profession is 14% more concentrated in the state than the national average.
How many lawyers are there in Illinois?
Illinois employs a substantial workforce of 33,430 lawyers, contributing to its significant presence in the legal sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 33,430 employees in the Illinois area with a job density of 5.512 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Illinois