Lawyer Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Legal · COL Index: 107.3
$166,090
Median Salary
$186,270
Mean Salary
$154,790
COL-Adjusted
28,380
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $80,900 | $75,396 |
| 25th Percentile | $104,650 | $97,530 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $166,090 | $154,790 |
| 75th Percentile | $224,360 | $209,096 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $300,111 | $279,693 |
What Drives the Range
The $219,211 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Lawyer positions in Chicago, IL reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
Chicago, IL's cost-of-living index of 107.3 means that a $166,090 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $154,790 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.