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Paralegals and Legal Assistants Salary in Illinois
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Illinois?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$63,670
Median Annual Salary
▲
+2.2% vs 2024
$72,310
Mean Salary
$63,670
Median Salary
$30.61
Hourly Rate
14,130 people work as Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois
Paralegals and Legal Assistants salary by percentile in Illinois
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois earn a median salary of $63,670 per year ($5,305/month).
This is 2.5% above the national average of $62,104.
Illinois ranks #15 out of 51 states for Paralegals and Legal Assistants pay.
Approximately 14,130 people work in this occupation across Illinois.
Salaries increased by 2.2% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Assist lawyers by investigating facts, preparing legal documents, or researching legal precedent. Conduct research to support a legal proceeding, to formulate a defense, or to initiate legal action.
Top Skills
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.75
Speaking
3.75
Critical Thinking
3.38
Key Knowledge Areas
Administrative
4.07
English Language
4.06
Law and Government
3.94
Customer and Personal Service
3.82
Computers and Electronics
3.6
Typical Education: Associate's Degree
(50.2% of workers)
Salary Range: Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois
Salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois range from $46,860 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $104,580 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $56,160 and $81,970.
Median $63,670
P10: $46,860P25: $56,160P75: $81,970P90: $104,580
10th
$46,860
25th
$56,160
Median
$63,670
75th
$81,970
90th
$104,580
Percentile
Annual Salary
Hourly Rate
Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level)
$46,860
$22.53
$3,905
25th Percentile
$56,160
$27.00
$4,680
Median (50th)
$63,670
$30.61
$5,305
75th Percentile
$81,970
$39.41
$6,830
90th Percentile (Experienced)
$104,580
$50.28
$8,715
Note: The mean (average) salary of $72,310 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.
How much do Paralegals and Legal Assistants make in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois is $63,670 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $72,310.
What is the salary range for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois?
Salaries for Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois range from $46,860 at the 10th percentile to $104,580 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $56,160 and $81,970.
What is the starting salary for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois?
Entry-level Paralegals and Legal Assistants positions in Illinois typically start around $46,860 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $56,160 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 14,130 people are employed as Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois.
What is the hourly rate for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Paralegals and Legal Assistants in Illinois is approximately $30.61 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.
Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.
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