Addison vs Chicago: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Addison, IL and Chicago, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Addison, IL | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $131,498 | $173,446▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $63.22 | $83.38▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $76,269 | $91,162▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $94,678 | $112,008▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $168,318 | $243,187▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $203,822 | $346,704▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 28,320▲ |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Addison.
The salary gap between Addison and Chicago is $41,948 (31.90%). Chicago's median is +3.75% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Addison spans $127,553,Chicago spans $255,542. Chicago has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Chicago ($167,427 effective) pays 23.63% more than Addison ($135,425 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Addison if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($173,446/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($346,704)
- ✓Larger job market (28,320 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $167,427)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Addison grew -20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.2% growth in Chicago over the same period.
Addison, IL
$158,386 (2024) → $125,595 (2025)
Chicago, IL
$135,510 (2019) → $165,660 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Addison, IL
Chicago, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov