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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate Attorney in Illinois is $102,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $49.
However, an Associate Attorney's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Associate Attorney Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $112,063 | $9,339 | $2,155 | $54 |
| Average | $102,300 | $8,525 | $1,967 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,072 | $7,423 | $1,713 | $43 |
Robert Half - Bloomington, IL
MORSE BOLDUC NARDULLI & BUNTIN LLC - Chicago, IL
The Gori Law Firm - Edwardsville, IL
Moskovic & Associates, Ltd. - Arlington Heights, IL
An Associate Attorney's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Associate Attorney's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Associate... Level Associate Attorney | $103,219 |
| Attorney ... Level Associate Attorney | $137,035 |
| Attorney ... Level Associate Attorney | $193,620 |
| Attorney ... Level Associate Attorney | $220,448 |
| Attorney ... Level Associate Attorney | $261,650 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Associate Attorneys. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:
For Associate Attorney roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Associate Attorney positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate Attorney as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $122,760 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $122,760 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $122,760 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $122,760 | $59.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $122,760 | $59.0 | 20% |
Understanding how an Associate Attorney's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $112,063 | $9,339 | $2,155 | $54 |
| Average | $102,300 | $8,525 | $1,967 | $49 |
| 25th Percentile | $89,072 | $7,423 | $1,713 | $43 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Associate Attorney job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Suburban Law Firm
Hinsdale, IL
Suburban Law Firm | Hinsdale, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Join our established suburban firm focusing in public sector pension, administrative, appellate, and labor law. Candidate... more
7 Days Ago
Law Works Illinois by Harmening Law, LLC
Evergreen Park, IL
Law Works Illinois by Harmening Law, LLC | Evergreen Park, IL
We're Hiring. Attorney (Full-Time or Part-Time) At Law Works Illinois by Harmening Law, LLC, we believe good legal work doesn't have to come with burnout a... more
8 Days Ago
Cassiday Schade LLP
Chicago, IL
Cassiday Schade LLP | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Cassiday Schade LLP is actively seeking an associate attorney for its Chicago Office with up to three years of experience... more
8 Days Ago
Cassiday Schade LLP
Springfield, IL
Cassiday Schade LLP | Springfield, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Associate Attorney. Cassiday Schade LLP is actively seeking an. associate attorney. for its. Springfield, IL. office with... more
8 Days Ago
Pop-Up Talent
Chicago, IL
Pop-Up Talent | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Associate Attorney. Chicago, IL. Employment Type: Full-Time, Salaried. Reports To: Executive Leadership Team. POSITION OV... more
8 Days Ago
Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea & BenMaier PLLC
Chicago, IL
Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea & BenMaier PLLC | Chicago, IL
Job Description. Job Description. Schouest, Bamdas, Soshea, BenMaier and Eastham is a rapidly growing defense law firm with offices in Houston, TX, New Orl... more
8 Days Ago
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