Lawyer Salary in Chicago, IL (2026)
Based on Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data adjusted for Chicago cost of living. Last updated .
Median Annual Salary
$163,000
Chicago, Illinois
Entry Level (10th pct.)
$67,000
0â2 years experience
25th Percentile
$100,000
Below average earner
Median (50th pct.)
$163,000
Typical earner
75th Percentile
$229,000
Above average earner
Top Earner (90th pct.)
$229,000
5+ years experience
Lawyer Salary Breakdown â Chicago, IL
The table below shows how Lawyer salaries in Chicago distribute across experience levels and pay percentiles in 2026.
| Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | Hourly (est.) | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10th | $67,000 | $5,583 | $32 | Entry-level, new graduate |
| 25th | $100,000 | $8,333 | $48 | 1â3 years experience |
| Median | $163,000 | $13,583 | $78 | Mid-career professional |
| 75th | $229,000 | $19,083 | $110 | Experienced professional |
| 90th | $229,000 | $19,083 | $110 | Senior / specialist |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), adjusted for Chicago regional cost of living. Data as of 2026.
Visual Salary Distribution
What Affects Lawyer Salaries in Chicago?
- Experience: Entry-level professionals earn significantly less than their senior counterparts. In Chicago, the gap between the 10th and 90th percentile is $162,000.
- Industry: Lawyers working in high-demand industries such as technology, finance, and healthcare often command salaries above the median.
- Education & Certifications: Advanced degrees and relevant professional certifications can move your salary into the upper quartile.
- Company size: Larger organizations typically offer higher compensation packages, including bonuses and equity.
- Location within Chicago: Employers in downtown/central business districts or tech corridors often pay more than suburban offices.
đ Find Lawyer Jobs in Chicago, IL
Ready to put this salary data to work? Browse open Lawyer positions in Chicago right now on the top job boards.
đ
Search on Indeed Lawyer jobs in Chicago
â đŧ Search on LinkedIn Connect with Chicago employers
â đĒ Glassdoor Listings Reviews + salary data combined
â âšī¸ These links may include affiliate tracking. Using them helps support SalaryInsights at no cost to you.