Illinois pays paralegals more on average than the five comparison states in this dataset, so expect candidates with multi-state experience to anchor their expectations to Illinois figures. The statewide mean of $72,310 exceeds Michigan's $67,240, Texas's $65,480, Ohio's $64,180, Indiana's $61,830, and Wisconsin's $61,270. When recruiting from neighboring states, you may face upward pressure on offers from candidates who know the Illinois market pays a premium.
Paralegal salary in Illinois (2026)
In this article
The average paralegal salary in Illinois is $72,310 per year. A small pool of very high earners pulls that average upward, so the median of $63,670 gives you a more reliable starting point for most hiring decisions. Illinois employs 14,130 paralegals, and the $8,640 gap between the mean and median reflects real variation in the candidate pool you will be evaluating. Entry-level paralegals in Illinois typically earn around $46,860, while senior specialists reach and exceed the $104,580 threshold at the 90th percentile. Plan for a range rather than a single number when budgeting for a paralegal hire in Illinois, and anchor that range to the seniority and specialization of the role you are filling.
Metric / Value
Metric | Value |
Median Annual Salary | $63,670 |
Average Annual Salary | $72,310 |
vs. National Average | 3.7% above the national mean of $69,700 |
Data comes from the BLS OEWS and covers 14,130 employed paralegals across Illinois.
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Paralegal salary percentiles in Illinois
Percentile | Annual Salary |
10th Percentile | $46,860 |
25th Percentile | $56,160 |
75th Percentile | $81,970 |
90th Percentile | $104,580 |
When setting an offer for a paralegal in Illinois, expect to land between $56,160 and $81,970 for most mid-career candidates. Roles requiring specialized experience in areas like litigation or corporate law can push compensation toward or past the $104,580 mark at the 90th percentile.
Paralegal salary by city in Illinois
City | Average Annual Salary |
Chicago | $74,920 |
Peoria | $66,090 |
Springfield | $62,490 |
Rockford | $61,790 |
Champaign | $61,400 |
Location meaningfully affects what you will need to budget for a paralegal hire in Illinois. Chicago commands the highest average at $74,920, while Champaign sits at the lower end at $61,400, a difference of more than $13,000 per year that should factor into your compensation planning if you are hiring across multiple offices or considering remote candidates.
How Illinois compares to other states
State | Average Annual Salary | Median Annual Salary |
Illinois | $72,310 | $63,670 |
Michigan | $67,240 | $62,170 |
Texas | $65,480 | $62,310 |
Ohio | $64,180 | $60,420 |
Indiana | $61,830 | $57,030 |
Wisconsin | $61,270 | $58,500 |
Hiring a paralegal in Illinois costs more on average than in any of the neighboring and peer states shown here, so employers should budget accordingly rather than benchmarking against lower-cost markets. Illinois's mean of $72,310 runs about $5,000 higher than Michigan's $67,240 and more than $11,000 above Wisconsin's $61,270. The median gap is narrower, which suggests that the higher Illinois average reflects a concentration of well-compensated senior roles rather than a uniform statewide premium.
Frequently asked questions about paralegal salary in Illinois
How does Illinois compare to other states for paralegal salary?
What do the top-earning paralegals make in Illinois?
Paralegals at the 90th percentile in Illinois earn $104,580 per year. Roles at that level typically involve specialized practice areas, significant case management responsibility, or seniority at large firms. Budget above that threshold if you are competing for candidates with a track record in high-demand specializations.
What is the salary range for a paralegal in Illinois?
The published salary range for paralegals in Illinois runs from $46,860 at the 10th percentile to $104,580 at the 90th percentile. For most mid-career hires, the more practical planning range sits between the 25th percentile of $56,160 and the 75th percentile of $81,970. Use the seniority and specialization of the specific role to determine where within that band your offer should land.
What is the average paralegal salary in Illinois?
The average paralegal salary in Illinois is $72,310 per year, which sits 3.7% above the national mean of $69,700. The median of $63,670 is lower because a segment of high-earning senior roles pulls the average up. For most hiring decisions, the median gives you a more grounded anchor than the mean.
Paralegal salary by state
Data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2025, SOC code 23-2011 (Paralegals and Legal Assistants).
Disclaimer
Rippling and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting, or legal advice. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide or be relied on for tax, accounting, or legal advice. You should consult your own tax, accounting, and legal advisors before engaging in any related activities or transactions.
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Paralegal salary in Michigan (2026)
Michigan paralegals earn a median $62,170 and average $67,240. See salary by city, percentile, and how Michigan compares to neighboring states.
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Paralegal salary in Minnesota (2026)
Minnesota paralegals earn a median $75,570 per year. Compare salaries by city, percentile, and neighboring states to set competitive offers.
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Paralegal salary in Wisconsin (2026)
Wisconsin paralegal salaries range from $45,220 to $86,210. See median pay, city breakdowns, and how Wisconsin compares to neighboring states.
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Paralegal salary in Indiana (2026)
Indiana paralegals earn a median $57,030 per year. See salary ranges by city, experience level, and how Indiana compares to neighboring states.
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Paralegal salary in Ohio (2026)
Ohio paralegals earn a median $60,420 and average $64,180. See salary ranges by experience level, city, and how Ohio compares to neighboring states.
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Paralegal salary in Iowa (2026)
Iowa paralegal salaries range from $37,900 to $83,520. See median pay, city breakdowns, and how Iowa compares to neighboring states.
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Paralegal salary in Texas (2026)
Texas paralegals earn $62,310 at the median. See salary ranges by city, percentile, and how Texas compares to other states for your 2026 hiring budget.
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Paralegal salary in Massachusetts (2026)
Paralegal salaries in Massachusetts average $81,160 — 16.4% above the national mean. See pay by city, percentile, and how the state compares to neighbors.
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