BLS OEWS Data · 2025

Lawyer Salary in Chicago, IL

Based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Median Annual Salary
$167,000
vs. National Average
+5%
National: $159,670

Salary Range in Chicago

Top 10%$273,800
75th Percentile$239,000
Median (50th)$167,000
25th Percentile$110,400
Bottom 10%$78,400

How Much Does a Lawyer Make in Chicago, IL?

The median Lawyer salary in Chicago, IL is $167,000 per year as of 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is 5% higher than the national median of $159,670.

Salaries in Chicago range from $78,400 at the 10th percentile to $273,800 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% of Lawyers in Chicago earn between $110,400 and $239,000 per year.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Occupation: Lawyer (SOC 23-1011).

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyer make in Chicago, IL?

The median Lawyer salary in Chicago, IL is $167,000 per year as of 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What is the salary range for a Lawyer in Chicago?

Lawyer salaries in Chicago range from $78,400 at the 10th percentile to $273,800 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $110,400 and $239,000 per year.

Is Chicago a good place to work as a Lawyer?

Chicago Lawyer salaries are 5% higher than the national median. Chicago is an above-average market for Lawyers.

Where does the salary data come from?

All data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey — the most comprehensive salary database in the United States, covering approximately 830 occupations across 600+ metropolitan areas.