LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$94,992/yr
Typical range: $98,074 – $125,076
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in Chicago
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $94,992 | $7,916 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $127,748 | $10,646 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $151,769 | $12,647 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $186,709 | $15,559 | +97% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $278,426 | $23,202 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $383,245 | $31,937 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $409,450 | $34,121 | +331% |
Current Salary
$94,992
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $46/hr
Next Level Target
$127,748
Junior · 2
+$33Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Lawyer / Attorney salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Lawyer / Attorneys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $95K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Lawyer / Attorney make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $95K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $46/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Chicago, IL earns $214K–$274K/yr.