By: All Criminal Justice Schools Staff
Updated: January 5, 2026
Find Paralegal Salaries for Your State
Learn what you may be able to earn in your state, how the cost of living and other factors could impact your pay, why education matters—and much more.
What are paralegal salaries like in Illinois?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois has the fifth-highest employment of paralegals in the U.S. Here are just some of the reasons why the paralegal population may thrive in Illinois:
- Major legal market in Chicago: Chicago, the third-largest city in the U.S., hosts a significant concentration of law firms, corporate legal departments and government agencies. This creates a high demand for paralegals to support legal operations.
- Diverse economy: Illinois has a diverse economy with strong industries in finance, insurance, manufacturing and healthcare. Each of these sectors requires extensive legal services, thereby increasing the demand for paralegals.
- Educational opportunities: Illinois offers several educational programs for paralegals. Many universities and community colleges in the state provide accredited paralegal programs, ensuring a steady supply of qualified professionals.
- Legal and corporate headquarters: Chicago is home to numerous corporate headquarters and major law firms, including those in the Fortune 500. The presence of these entities necessitates substantial legal support staff, including paralegals.
Read on to learn more about paralegal education and salaries in Illinois.
In this Article
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There are 15,780 people employed as a paralegal in Illinois says the BLS. As stated above, this makes Illinois the fifth highest employer of paralegals in the U.S. and amounts to nearly three people being a paralegal for every 1,000 people who live in the state. The median wage per hour is $30 and the forecasted job growth for the coming decade is 0.2%.
The top reason to choose Illinois as a destination to work as a paralegal is the presence of a robust legal market in Chicago. This city is home to numerous prestigious law firms and corporate legal departments, such as Kirkland & Ellis LLP, which offers paralegals unparalleled opportunities for career advancement, professional development and engagement with high-caliber legal work. Take a look at some of the benefits of a law firm such as Kirkland & Ellis:
One prominent company that many paralegals aspire to join in Illinois is Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Here’s why:
And here are other potentially diverse places of employment for paralegals in Illinois:
- AbbVie Inc., North Chicago, IL:
- (Pharmaceuticals/healthcare) AbbVie is a global biopharmaceutical company that requires extensive legal support for its operations, including regulatory compliance, intellectual property and corporate law.
- Boeing, Chicago, IL:
- (Aerospace/defense) Boeing, a leading aerospace company, has significant legal needs related to contracts, compliance and corporate governance, providing opportunities for paralegals in these areas.
- McDonald’s Corporation, Chicago, IL:
- (Food service) McDonald’s, a global fast-food giant, employs paralegals to handle matters related to franchising, real estate, intellectual property and corporate law.
- State Farm Insurance, Bloomington, IL:
- State Farm, one of the largest insurance companies in the U.S., requires legal support for claims, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and litigation, offering numerous opportunities for paralegals.
- Northern Trust Corporation, Chicago, IL:
- (Financial services) Northern Trust is a leading provider of wealth management, asset servicing, asset management and banking solutions. Paralegals at Northern Trust handle matters related to trusts, estates, corporate law, and compliance.
Quick stats for Illinois paralegals
According to the BLS, Chicago is not the only prominent location for paralegals to work in Illinois. Take a look at some other up-and-coming cities for paralegals to seek employment:
- Rockford, IL:
- Rockford has a growing healthcare and manufacturing industry. Paralegals can find positions in hospitals, healthcare organizations and manufacturing companies, handling a range of legal issues from compliance to litigation support.
- Springfield, IL:
- As the state capital, Springfield is home to numerous government agencies, including the Illinois State Legislature, various state departments and administrative offices. Paralegals can find opportunities in government legal departments, advocacy groups and non-profit organizations.
- Bloomington, IL:
- Bloomington, home to State Farm Insurance’s headquarters, offers significant opportunities in the insurance industry. Paralegals can work on claims, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and litigation support.
- Peoria, IL:
- Peoria has a diverse economy with strong healthcare, manufacturing and agriculture sectors. Major employers like Caterpillar Inc. provide opportunities for paralegals in corporate legal departments, focusing on contracts, compliance and intellectual property.
- Naperville, IL:
- Naperville, a suburb of Chicago, hosts a variety of corporate headquarters and tech companies. Paralegals here can work in corporate law, intellectual property and technology-related legal fields.
Besides your geographic location and place of employment, other factors that affect how much you earn include how much experience you have, your paralegal specialty, what professional certifications you have earned and your level of education. As a barometer for what you may be able to earn, here are median annual salaries for different legal studies careers at a national level.
Salaries for different legal studies careers (national median)
Salaries for paralegal roles in Illinois
One interesting fact about working as a paralegal in Illinois, particularly in Chicago, is the presence of specialized pro bono opportunities. Chicago has a network of legal aid organizations and pro bono initiatives where paralegals can contribute significantly. For instance, organizations like the Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) and the Legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services heavily rely on paralegal support to assist in providing legal services to low-income residents. This not only enhances the professional experience of paralegals but also allows them to make a meaningful impact and contribution in the community.
Median paralegal salary in Illinois
The median annual salary for paralegals in Illinois is $62,290, and that is just below the national median salary for the role. Illinois doesn’t have any metro areas that rank for highest listed pay in the BLS, but it’s important to consider what the cost of living may be in areas outside of Chicago. Here are median salaries by percentage, at a state level and for different cities in Illinois:
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
10%$44,180
25%$48,820
50%$62,290Median
75%$80,830
90%$102,270
Median Hourly Wage$30
Job growth0.2%
Total Employment12,430
| Metro area | Median Salary | Bottom 10% | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $66,930 | $47,950 | $104,190 |
| Decatur, IL | $61,700 | $46,500 | $90,160 |
| Springfield, IL | $58,530 | $41,480 | $82,790 |
| Bloomington, IL | $58,000 | $43,980 | $82,080 |
| Peoria, IL | $57,870 | $39,890 | $89,020 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $47,860 | $37,050 | $76,310 |
| Rockford, IL | $47,120 | $40,510 | $76,140 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2024 median salary; projected job growth through 2034. Actual salaries vary depending on location, level of education, years of experience, work environment, and other factors. Salaries may differ even more for those who are self-employed or work part time.
Salary range for paralegals in Illinois
The salary range for paralegals in Illinois spans from $44,180 for the lowest 10% to $102,270 for the highest 10% of working paralegals per year. This accounts for entry-level positions to senior-level roles and paralegal managers, and takes into consideration other factors such as time on the job, education attained, professional certifications earned and area of specialty.
Pay by metro area for IL paralegals
Your earning level can sometimes depend upon where you live within a state. You may already know that cities tend to pay better than rural or less populated areas, larger law firms better than small, and a hub city such as Chicago, may pay more competitively, though the cost of living will also be higher. That said, here’s what the BLS reports as top 10 highest paying cities in the U.S. for paralegal and legal assisting fields. As you can see, Illinois doesn’t have any metro areas that rank in the top 10 for highest pay for paralegals, but the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metro area does rank at number three in the U.S. for highest employment level in paralegals and legal assistants.
Salary growth and job outlook for paralegals
Paralegals in Illinois (and nationally) have a 0.2% job growth rate predicted through 2034 says the BLS. This is just higher than the national average for all other career fields combined. Some other legal career job growth rates are as follows, compared to paralegals. As you can see, the job growth rate for paralegals surpasses other legal support roles:
| Legal support career | BLS predicted job growth rate through 2034 |
|---|---|
| Paralegals and legal assistants | 0.2% |
| Legal secretaries and administrative assistants | -5.8% |
| Legal support workers, all others | -1.2% |
| Judicial law clerks | 2.5% |
Factors affecting paralegal salaries in Illinois
The following factors may collectively influence a paralegal’s salary in Illinois, and understanding them can help you strategize accordingly to maximize your earning potential.
- Time in the role:
- Paralegals with less experience typically earn lower salaries. Those with several years of experience can expect higher pay, while paralegals with extensive experience or those in managerial positions may earn the highest salaries.
- Paralegal education:
- Holding a degree in paralegal studies or a related field may impact salary. Earning professional certifications such as Certified Paralegal (CP), Certified Legal Assistant (CLA) or Advanced Paralegal Certification (APC) may also lead to higher earnings.
- Specializing and sector:
- Specializing in high-demand areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, healthcare or litigation could result in higher salaries. Positions in the private sector may pay more than public sector roles and working in industries with complex regulatory environments, like finance or technology, may also result in higher salaries.
- Employer type:
- Larger, prestigious law firms often offer higher salaries compared to smaller firms. Working in the legal department of a corporation can also be lucrative, while positions in government agencies may offer lower salaries but often come with other benefits.
- Location within Illinois:
- Salaries in Chicago are generally higher than in other parts of Illinois due to the higher cost of living and greater demand for legal services.
- State economy:
- The economic health of the region can influence salary levels. Broader economic trends can also impact hiring and salary levels in the legal sector.
- Performance and responsibilities:
- Demonstrated exceptional performance may lead to salary increases, depending upon your firm’s policy. Taking on more responsibilities, such as paralegal supervisory roles, may also result in higher pay.
How can I know if I am being paid fairly in Illinois?
If you’re a paralegal in Illinois facing wage disputes, there are several resources you can turn to for assistance and guidance:
Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL): The IDOL handles wage claims and disputes, including unpaid wages, overtime pay and minimum wage violations. You can file a wage claim through their website or contact them for assistance.
U.S. Department of Labor (DOL): The Wage and Hour Division enforces federal labor laws related to wages, including the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). You can file a complaint if your dispute involves federal law.
Legal aid organizations:
- Legal Aid Chicago: Provides free legal assistance to low-income individuals in Cook County.
- Land of Lincoln Legal Aid: Offers legal services to low-income residents in central and southern Illinois.
Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA): The ISBA can help you find an attorney who specializes in labor and employment law for legal representation in wage disputes.
National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): NALA provides resources, including legal information and professional standards, which can help you understand your rights as a paralegal.
Chicago Bar Association (CBA): The CBA offers resources and referrals to attorneys who specialize in employment law and can assist with wage disputes.
Worker centers and advocacy groups: Arise Chicago is a worker center that helps low-wage workers, including legal advice and representation.
Online Legal Services: LawHelp Interactive offers online resources and tools to help you understand your legal rights and prepare documents for wage disputes.
Illinois Legal Aid Online: Provides information on how to file wage claims and other employment-related legal issues.
Union Representation: If you’re part of a union, contact your union representative for assistance with wage disputes. They can provide support and negotiate on your behalf.
Education and training
To become a paralegal in Illinois, you typically need to complete certain educational requirements. Here’s an overview of the common pathways and necessary education:
Earn a degree
Choose a program that is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA) if possible. ABA-approved programs meet rigorous standards and are often preferred by employers.
Associate degree
- Many paralegals start with an associate degree in paralegal studies from a college, university or community college.
- These programs usually take about two years to complete and include coursework in legal research, writing, ethics, and various areas of law.
Bachelor’s degree
- Some paralegals pursue a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies or legal studies.
- This path typically takes four years and provides a more comprehensive education, including general education courses along with specialized legal courses.
Certificate programs
- For individuals who already have a degree in another field, a post-baccalaureate certificate in paralegal studies is an option.
- These programs can often be completed in approximately one year and focus specifically on paralegal skills and knowledge.
Consider professional certification (Optional)
While certification is not required to work as a paralegal in Illinois, obtaining professional certification may enhance your credentials and job prospects.
- National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA): NFPA offers the Paralegal CORE Competency Exam (PCCE) and the Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam (PACE).
- National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA): Offers the Certified Paralegal (CP) credential.
Continuing Education
Various organizations, including NALA and NFPA, offer CLE opportunities. Paralegals are encouraged to pursue continuing legal education (CLE) to stay current with changes in the law, paralegal ethics and to maintain any certifications.
Cost of living in Illinois
The cost of living in Illinois is 8% lower than the national average, says RentCafe. Here are some key factors that contribute to the cost of living in the state:
Contributing factors:
RentCafe says housing is approximately 22% lower than the national average in Illinois, while utilities are 10% lower. This holds true for the majority of cities in Illinois, though major legal and transportation hubs such as Chicago have a higher cost of living than the national average, so wages may be more for paralegals working there.
Cities with the highest cost of living:
RentCafe says the reported cities that have a higher cost of living than the national average include Chicago at 14% above.
Cities with the lowest cost of living:
RentCafe’s list of Illinois cities with a lower than the national average consist of some of the emerging cities for paralegals that are mentioned above: Bloomington (2% lower), Springfield (10% lower), Champaign (10% lower), Peoria (12% lower) and Rockford (14% lower).
Illinois professional paralegal groups
In Illinois, paralegals can join several professional associations that offer networking, professional development, continuing education and support. These associations offer paralegals in Illinois various resources and opportunities to enhance their careers, stay updated with industry trends and connect with other professionals in the field.
Illinois Paralegal Association (IPA): The IPA is the primary association for paralegals in Illinois. It offers resources such as continuing legal education, networking opportunities, job postings and advocacy for the paralegal profession within the state.
Chicago Paralegal Association (CPA): The CPA is focused on serving paralegals in the Chicago area. It provides educational programs, networking events and a platform for professional growth and development.
This salary guide for Illinois aims to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the salary landscape and key information regarding the many careers in paralegal and legal studies in the state. Use this guide as a starting point to make informed decisions about your career path through the legal justice system and gain an understanding of how to negotiate salary while you learn to set realistic expectations for your educational and professional future.