LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$298,406/yr
Typical range: $229,850 – $293,133
P90 · 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $101,809 | $8,484 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $136,916 | $11,410 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $162,661 | $13,555 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $200,108 | $16,676 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $298,406 | $24,867 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $410,747 | $34,229 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $438,833 | $36,569 | +331% |
Current Salary
$298,406
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $143/hr
Next Level Target
$410,747
Principal · 14
+$112Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorneys in Chicago, IL earn approximately $298K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $298K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $143/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Chicago, IL earns $230K–$293K/yr.