Paralegal Salary in Chicago, IL
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Legal · COL Index: 107.3
$66,930
Median Salary
$71,960
Mean Salary
$62,377
COL-Adjusted
10,250
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $47,950 | $44,688 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,960 | $45,629 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $66,930 | $62,377 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,500 | $76,887 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $104,190 | $97,102 |
What Drives the Range
The $56,240 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Paralegal 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 $66,930 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $62,377 in an average-cost U.S. city. The relatively moderate cost of living makes this a competitive market for purchasing power.