Paralegal salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$70,550/year
about $33.92 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $58,740 – $85,040
Half of paralegals in the Chicago metro area earn more than $70,550 a year and half earn less. That's 12% higher than the national median of $62,890, and ranks #13 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $50,160 | $24.12 |
| 25th | $58,740 | $28.24 |
| Median (50th) | $70,550 | $33.92 |
| 75th | $85,040 | $40.88 |
| 90th (top earners) | $106,040 | $50.98 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a paralegal job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $58,740 ($28.24/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $58,740 to $85,040 ($28.24 to $40.88/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $85,040 ($40.88/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Large law firms usually pay more than small firms or in-house roles, but often expect longer hours.
- Ask whether overtime is paid. Many paralegal roles qualify for it.
- A paralegal certificate or experience in a specific practice area can support a higher offer.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Paralegals and Legal Assistants (SOC 23-2011). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.