Legal Occupations in Illinois
2026 Salary & Job Market Data
Quick Snapshot
| Metric | Illinois | National | Insight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $103,540 | $99,990 | +3.6% vs US |
| State Rank | #10 of 52 states | Top 10 state | |
| Employment | 51,250 jobs | 1,273,410 jobs | 4.0% of US jobs |
| Job Concentration (LQ) | — | 1.00 | Average |
Full Salary Distribution in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $48,390 | $23.27 |
| 25th Percentile | $65,930 | $31.70 |
| Median | $103,540 | $49.78 |
| 75th Percentile | $190,340 | $91.51 |
| 90th Percentile | — | — |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for Legal Occupations in Illinois in 2026?
With a median salary of $103,540 in Illinois and a 2014–2024 salary trend of +40.2%, legal occupations are still in strong and growing demand.
How can legal occupations increase their salary in Illinois?
Legal Occupations in Illinois can increase earnings by targeting higher-paying industries which tend to offer compensation well above the state median. Additionally, relocating to a higher-paying state could offer a significant income boost: Illinois currently ranks #10 out of 52 states for this occupation. Pursuing advanced credentials, specializations, or roles with greater responsibility are proven ways to move toward the 75th or 90th percentile of earners.
Which industries pay the most for Legal Occupations in Illinois?
State-level industry data is limited for this occupation. Nationally, the top-paying industries are:
| Industry | Annual Median |
|---|---|
| Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing | $236,280 |
| Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences | $229,820 |
| Nuclear Electric Power Generation | $227,520 |
How are Legal Occupations paid in Illinois compared to the national average?
The median salary for Legal Occupations in Illinois is $103,540, which is 3.6% above the national median of $99,990.