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Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Illinois
Ranked #11 of 51 · IL
Salary Distribution (10th–90th percentile)
About 80% of paralegals and legal assistantss in Illinois earn between $46,860 and $104,580. The blue band is the middle 50% (P25–P75); the dot marks the median.
Compared to the U.S.
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Illinois is $72,310, about 3.7% above the U.S. average ($69,700). That works out to roughly $35/hr at 2,080 hours per year.
Metro Areas in Illinois
| Metro area | Median | Mean | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $70,550 | $74,920 | 11,590 |
| Peoria, IL | $61,220 | $66,090 | 370 |
| Bloomington, IL | $60,160 | $63,660 | 260 |
| Springfield, IL | $59,990 | $62,490 | 230 |
| Rockford, IL | $59,700 | $61,790 | 200 |
| Decatur, IL | $59,690 | $61,830 | 30 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $58,580 | $61,400 | 100 |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $58,220 | $59,520 | 140 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do paralegals and legal assistants make in Illinois?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Illinois is $63,670 per year (mean $72,310), and about 80% earn between $46,860 and $104,580.
How much do paralegals and legal assistants make per hour in Illinois?
Roughly $35 per hour, based on a mean annual wage of $72,310 and 2,080 work hours per year.
Is Illinois a high-paying state for paralegals and legal assistants?
Illinois ranks #11 of 51 states for paralegals and legal assistants pay. Its mean salary of $72,310 is about 3.7% above the U.S. average of $69,700.
Which metro areas in Illinois pay paralegals and legal assistants the most?
The highest-paying metro areas in Illinois for paralegals and legal assistants are Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN ($70,550), Peoria, IL ($61,220), Bloomington, IL ($60,160), by median annual wage.