Paralegal Salary in Chicago, IL

Updated on May 09, 2025
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Paralegal make in Chicago, IL?

The average salary for a Paralegal is $72,301 per year 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.

Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL

What are the highest paying cities for a Paralegal near Chicago, IL?

Paralegals near Chicago, IL, have excellent job opportunities in various cities. Des Plaines, IL, offers the highest average salary at $67,936. This makes it a prime location for those seeking top compensation. Schaumburg, IL, and Aurora, IL, also provide competitive salaries, making them attractive options for paralegals in the area.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Paralegal jobs near Chicago, IL, highlighting Des Plaines, IL with the highest at $67,936 and Joliet, IL with the lowest at $51,723.
  1. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Des Plaines, IL


  2. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Schaumburg, IL


  3. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Aurora, IL


  4. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Evanston, IL


  5. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Naperville, IL


  6. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Orland Park, IL


  7. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Skokie, IL


  8. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Crown Point, IN


  9. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Elgin, IL


  10. 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.
    Find Paralegal jobs in Joliet, IL

What are the best paying companies for a Paralegal in Chicago, IL?

Paralegals in Chicago can find top-paying opportunities at several reputable firms. SAS Tech, Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, and McDermott Will & Emery lead the way with competitive salaries. These companies offer paralegals a chance to earn well while working in a dynamic and rewarding environment.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Paralegal jobs in Chicago, IL, highlighting SAS Tech with the highest at $107,955 and Norton Rose Fulbright with the lowest at $91,825.
  1. 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.


  2. 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.


  3. 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.


  4. 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.


  5. 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.


  6. 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.


  7. 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.


  8. 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.


  9. 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.


  10. 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.

Currently 2,985 Paralegal job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Paralegal in the US?

Learn what a Paralegal does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Paralegal today.
Position
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Paralegal
2,985 Job Openings