Lawyer Salary in Illinois

How Much Does a Lawyer Make in Illinois?

The typical Lawyer salary in Illinois ranges from $94,500 to $175,500, with the national median at $135,000.

Represent clients in legal matters and provide legal advice Your actual take-home pay as a Lawyer in Illinois depends on:

• Your specific salary or hourly rate
• Federal income tax (10% to 37% progressive rates)
• FICA taxes (7.65% for Social Security and Medicare)
• Illinois state income tax
• Local taxes (if applicable in your city)
• Health insurance and retirement contributions
• Cost of living in your specific city or region

Taxes for Lawyer in Illinois

As a Lawyer working in Illinois, you'll pay the following taxes on your income:

Federal Income Tax

Everyone in the US pays federal income tax, including Lawyer professionals. The federal tax system uses progressive tax brackets ranging from 10% to 37%, meaning you pay different rates on different portions of your income.

FICA Taxes

Social Security and Medicare taxes (FICA) total 7.65% of your gross income:

• Social Security: 6.2% (on first $168,600 in 2025)
• Medicare: 1.45% (no income limit)
• Additional Medicare: 0.9% on income over $200,000

Illinois State Income Tax

Illinois has a state income tax that applies to all Lawyer salaries earned in the state. The exact rate depends on Illinois's tax brackets and your total income.

Use our Illinois salary calculator to see your exact state tax based on your Lawyer salary.

Cost of Living for Lawyer in Illinois

Your Lawyer salary goes further or shorter depending on the cost of living in your area of Illinois. Key factors include:

• Housing: Rent or mortgage payments (often 25-35% of take-home pay)
• Transportation: Car payments, gas, insurance, or public transit
• Food: Groceries and dining out
• Healthcare: Insurance premiums, copays, prescriptions
• Utilities: Electric, gas, water, internet

A $135,000 Lawyer salary in a low-cost area of Illinois provides significantly more buying power than the same salary in an expensive metro area.

Lawyer Salary Examples in Illinois

Here's what different Lawyer salary levels look like in Illinois:

Entry-Level Lawyer ($94,500)

• Gross annual salary: $94,500
• Federal tax: ~$11,340
• FICA: ~$7,229
• Illinois state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $66,150

Median Lawyer ($135,000)

• Gross annual salary: $135,000
• Federal tax: ~$21,600
• FICA: ~$10,328
• Illinois state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $90,450

Experienced Lawyer ($175,500)

• Gross annual salary: $175,500
• Federal tax: ~$38,610
• FICA: ~$13,426
• Illinois state tax: Varies
• Approximate take-home: $105,300

Calculate your exact take-home pay: These are estimates. For precise calculations based on your specific situation, use our Illinois salary calculator.

Compare Lawyer Salaries Across States

The same Lawyer salary can result in very different take-home pay depending on the state:

• No-tax states (TX, FL, NV, TN, WA): Higher take-home pay
• Low-tax states (AZ, IN, ND, PA): Moderate take-home pay
• High-tax states (CA, NY, NJ, HI): Lower take-home pay

A $135,000 Lawyer salary in California results in about $6,750 to $13,500 less take-home pay per year compared to the same salary in a no-tax state.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Lawyer salary in Illinois?

The average Lawyer salary in Illinois varies by experience, location within the state, and employer. The national median is $135,000, with typical Illinois salaries ranging from $94,500 to $175,500.

How much does a Lawyer make after taxes in Illinois?

After federal taxes, FICA, Illinois state tax, and typical deductions, a Lawyer earning $135,000 in Illinois takes home approximately $87,750 to $94,500 per year.

Is Illinois a good state for Lawyer professionals?

It depends on your priorities. Consider Illinois's cost of living, career opportunities, quality of life, and state tax burden when evaluating your options.

Next Steps

Ready to see your exact Lawyer take-home pay in Illinois?

Use our Illinois salary calculator →

Or compare Lawyer salaries across different states to find the best location for your career.