Illinois ranks 13th of 51 states and D.C. for paralegals and legal assistants pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($99,300) by $37,010 — a 59% gap.
Illinois employs roughly 3.4% of all paralegals and legal assistants in the country (12,430 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $44,180 | $21.24 |
| 25th percentile | $48,820 | $23.47 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $62,290 | $29.95 |
| 75th percentile | $80,830 | $38.86 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $102,270 | $49.17 |
| Mean (average) | $68,960 | $33.15 |
How Illinois Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois (current) | $62,290 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $99,300 | +59% |
| Washington | $78,010 | +25% |
| Massachusetts | $74,990 | +20% |
| Colorado | $73,380 | +18% |
| California | $72,960 | +17% |
| Minnesota | $67,320 | +8% |
| New York | $66,390 | +7% |
| Oregon | $63,970 | +3% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in Illinois
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Dispatchers, Except Police, Fire, and Ambulance | $62,280 | N/A |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | $62,260 | 17,790 |
| Librarians and Media Collections Specialists | $62,360 | 4,610 |
| Painters, Construction and Maintenance | $62,390 | 6,700 |
| Medical Equipment Repairers | $62,180 | 3,280 |
| Flight Attendants | $62,120 | 9,230 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Illinois?
The mean paralegals and legal assistants salary in Illinois is $68,960 per year. The median (middle) salary is $62,290 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois?
Entry-level paralegals and legal assistantss (10th percentile) in Illinois typically earn around $44,180 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $48,820 per year.
What is the highest Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary in Illinois?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in Illinois make approximately $102,270 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $80,830 per year.
How does the Illinois Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary compare to the national average?
The median paralegals and legal assistants salary in Illinois is $62,290, which is +2% above national average of $61,010.