Paralegal Salary in Chicago, IL
How much does a Paralegal make in Chicago, IL?
In Chicago, IL, a paralegal can expect to earn a competitive salary. The average annual salary for a paralegal in this city is around $72,301. This figure can vary depending on experience and specific industry. Paralegals with more experience often earn higher salaries. For instance, those with over ten years in the field may see salaries upwards of $100,000 annually.
Factors that influence the salary range include the type of employer and the complexity of the cases. Paralegals working for large law firms or corporate legal departments often earn more than those in smaller firms. Additionally, those who specialize in high-demand areas such as corporate law, intellectual property, or litigation may command higher salaries. The demand for paralegals in Chicago remains strong, offering good opportunities for career growth and salary increases.
What are the highest paying cities for a Paralegal near Chicago, IL?

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Des Plaines, IL
Average Salary: $67,936
In Des Plaines, legal professionals often seek support from skilled legal assistants. Companies like ABC Law Firm and XYZ Legal Services offer dynamic roles. These positions provide a chance to work closely with attorneys on various cases.
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Schaumburg, IL
Average Salary: $63,478
Schaumburg offers a vibrant environment for legal support staff. With firms such as 123 Legal Group and 456 Attorneys, paralegals can find roles that involve case management and research. These positions are ideal for those who enjoy a fast-paced office setting.
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Aurora, IL
Average Salary: $61,731
Aurora provides a range of opportunities for those in the legal field. Working with companies like 789 Law Offices and 012 Legal Partners, paralegals can expect to handle document preparation and client communication. The city's legal community is growing, offering many career paths.
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Evanston, IL
Average Salary: $60,132
Evanston is home to several reputable law firms where legal assistants play a crucial role. Firms such as 321 Legal Services and 654 Attorneys offer roles that involve litigation support and legal research. The city's academic environment also adds to the professional experience.
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Naperville, IL
Average Salary: $59,427
Naperville offers a supportive environment for legal professionals. Companies like 987 Law Firm and 123 Legal Services provide roles that include case management and legal drafting. The city's growing legal sector offers many opportunities for career advancement.
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Orland Park, IL
Average Salary: $58,000
In Orland Park, legal assistants find roles that support attorneys in various capacities. Firms such as 456 Legal Group and 789 Attorneys offer positions that involve document review and client interaction. The city's legal community is welcoming and offers a good work-life balance.
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Skokie, IL
Average Salary: $57,503
Skokie provides a range of opportunities for those in the legal field. Working with firms like 012 Legal Partners and 345 Attorneys, paralegals can expect to handle case preparation and legal research. The city's diverse legal environment offers many career paths.
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Crown Point, IN
Average Salary: $56,537
Crown Point offers a supportive environment for legal professionals. Companies like 678 Law Offices and 901 Legal Services provide roles that include litigation support and legal drafting. The city's growing legal sector offers many opportunities for career advancement.
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Elgin, IL
Average Salary: $51,874
Elgin provides a range of opportunities for those in the legal field. Working with firms like 234 Legal Group and 567 Attorneys, paralegals can expect to handle document preparation and client communication. The city's legal community is growing, offering many career paths.
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Joliet, IL
Average Salary: $51,723
Joliet offers a vibrant environment for legal support staff. Companies like 890 Law Firm and 123 Legal Services offer dynamic roles. These positions provide a chance to work closely with attorneys on various cases. The city's legal community is welcoming and offers a good work-life balance.
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What are the best paying companies for a Paralegal in Chicago, IL?

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SAS Tech
Average Salary: $107,955
SAS Tech offers competitive salaries for Paralegals. They provide opportunities to work in various locations, including Cary, NC, and Austin, TX. Paralegals here support legal teams with research, document management, and case preparation.
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Davis Wright Tremaine LLP
Average Salary: $107,520
Davis Wright Tremaine LLP is known for its strong legal services. Paralegals here assist in litigation, corporate law, and intellectual property. The firm operates in Seattle, WA, and San Francisco, CA, among other locations.
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Mcdermott Will & Emery
Average Salary: $105,350
Mcdermott Will & Emery offers a robust environment for Paralegals. They work on complex legal matters, including mergers, acquisitions, and regulatory compliance. The firm has offices in Chicago, IL, and New York, NY.
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Katten
Average Salary: $101,938
Katten provides Paralegals with a dynamic work setting. They focus on litigation, regulatory, and transactional matters. The firm has offices in Chicago, IL, and New York, NY.
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Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $100,933
Wells Fargo offers Paralegals a chance to work in a leading financial institution. They support legal teams with compliance, litigation, and regulatory issues. The company operates nationwide, with major offices in Charlotte, NC.
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Bridgeline Solutions
Average Salary: $96,962
Bridgeline Solutions provides Paralegals with opportunities in legal tech. They work on product development, compliance, and litigation support. The firm is based in Chicago, IL.
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Korn Ferry
Average Salary: $95,000
Korn Ferry offers Paralegals roles in talent management and consulting. They assist with legal research, document management, and compliance. The company operates globally, with headquarters in Los Angeles, CA.
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BJ Services
Average Salary: $93,750
BJ Services provides Paralegals with roles in the energy sector. They support legal teams with contract management, litigation, and regulatory compliance. The company has offices in Houston, TX, and Denver, CO.
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Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP
Average Salary: $93,413
Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP offers Paralegals roles in various legal practice areas. They assist with litigation, corporate law, and regulatory compliance. The firm operates in multiple locations, including Columbia, SC.
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Norton Rose Fulbright
Average Salary: $91,825
Norton Rose Fulbright provides Paralegals with a global platform. They work on complex legal matters, including mergers, acquisitions, and litigation. The firm has offices in Chicago, IL, and New York, NY.
What are the best paying Paralegal related jobs in Chicago, IL?

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Compliance Officer
Average Salary: $119,811
This role ensures that companies follow laws and regulations. They work closely with legal teams to prevent any violations. In Chicago, firms like Boeing and Exelon rely on compliance officers to maintain their operations.
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Law Associate
Average Salary: $118,140
Law associates support attorneys in various tasks. They often handle research, drafting documents, and organizing case files. Many firms in Chicago, such as Seyfarth Shaw and Jenner & Block, need skilled associates.
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Legal Investigator
Average Salary: $104,945
Legal investigators gather evidence for cases. They interview witnesses and collect documents. In Chicago, this role is crucial for firms like Kirkland & Ellis and Sidley Austin.
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Regulatory Affairs Specialist
Average Salary: $86,043
These specialists ensure companies meet regulatory requirements. They work with government agencies and prepare reports. Many healthcare firms in Chicago, such as Northwestern Memorial Hospital, need these specialists.
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Evidence Technician
Average Salary: $85,603
Evidence technicians collect and analyze physical evidence. They work on crime scenes and in labs. In Chicago, agencies like the Chicago Police Department and Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office hire these professionals.
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Legal Analyst
Average Salary: $81,498
Legal analysts review laws and regulations. They provide insights to help companies make decisions. Many financial firms in Chicago, such as JPMorgan Chase and Goldman Sachs, need analysts for their legal teams.
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Judicial Assistant
Average Salary: $67,725
Judicial assistants support judges in the courtroom. They prepare documents, manage schedules, and assist with legal research. In Chicago, courts like the U.S. District Court and Cook County Circuit Court hire these assistants.
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Legal Assistant
Average Salary: $58,887
Legal assistants handle administrative tasks for law firms. They schedule meetings, organize files, and assist attorneys. Many firms in Chicago, such as Holland & Knight and Mayer Brown, need dedicated assistants.
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Law Clerk
Average Salary: $56,252
Law clerks help attorneys with research and writing. They often draft legal documents and prepare for court. Many law schools and firms in Chicago, such as Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, hire clerks.
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Contract Clerk
Average Salary: $53,350
Contract clerks manage legal documents and agreements. They ensure all terms are clear and properly documented. In Chicago, companies like United Airlines and McDonald’s need clerks to handle their contracts.
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