Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Illinois
Official Bureau of Labor Statistics Data - May 2024 - IL
Median Annual Salary in Illinois
$62,160
$29.88 / hour
▲ 5.0% above national avg
National Median
$59,200
$28.46 / hour nationally
COL-Adjusted Purchasing Power
$62,725
Missouri equivalent (COL: 99.1)
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (Entry Level) | $32,945 |
| 25th Percentile | $44,755 |
| 50th (Median) | $62,160 |
| 75th Percentile | $85,781 |
| 90th (Top Earners) | $106,915 |
| Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS, May 2024 | |
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Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
The Illinois median salary of $62,160 for Paralegals and Legal Assistants has the purchasing power of approximately $62,725 in Missouri (the COL baseline state with index 100).
Illinois's lower cost of living (COL index: 99.1) means your salary goes further than in higher-cost states.
COL data: MERIC 2024 State Cost of Living Index. Missouri = 100 baseline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Illinois?
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois earn a median annual salary of $62,160 per year ($29.88/hr) according to BLS OEWS data (May 2024). This is above the national median of $59,200.
Is Illinois a good state for Paralegals and Legal Assistants?
Illinois pays above the national average for paralegals and legal assistants, making it a competitive market for this occupation. Cost of living in Illinois is near the national average (COL index: 99.1).
What is the cost-of-living adjusted salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois?
After adjusting for cost of living (COL index: 99.1 vs. Missouri baseline of 100), the $62,160 salary in Illinois has the purchasing power of approximately $62,725 in Missouri. Lower living costs in Illinois increase real purchasing power.
How does Illinois compare to neighboring states for Paralegals and Legal Assistants salaries?
For detailed comparison across all states, see the full Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary page at the national level, which includes a complete 50-state salary table.
Top Paying Jobs in Illinois
| # | Job Title | Median Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Anesthesiologists | $348,810 |
| 2 | Orthopedic Surgeons, Except Pediatric | $321,531 |
| 3 | Neurologists | $310,380 |
| 4 | Surgeons, All Other | $309,246 |
| 5 | Ophthalmologists, Except Pediatric | $285,474 |
| 6 | Psychiatrists | $262,288 |
| 7 | Physicians, Pathologists | $256,116 |
| 8 | General Internal Medicine Physicians | $255,507 |
| Source: BLS OEWS May 2024 | ||
About Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois
Paralegals and Legal Assistants work in their specialized field applying expertise and skills to deliver value in their organization. This occupation is part of the legal sector of the U.S. economy.
Education Required: Doctoral or professional degree