Bloomington vs Springfield: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Bloomington, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bloomington, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $129,933 | $137,576▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $62.46 | $66.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,498 | $79,206▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $83,174 | $103,014▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $180,953▲ | $178,995 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $295,966▲ | $232,120 |
| Total Employed | 530 | 530 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 2 out of 4 metrics compared to Bloomington.
The salary gap between Bloomington and Springfield is $7,643 (5.88%). Springfield's median is -17.70% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bloomington spans $255,468,Springfield spans $152,914. Bloomington has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Springfield ($148,338 effective) pays 6.79% more than Bloomington ($138,911 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bloomington if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($295,966)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,576/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $148,338)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Bloomington grew 55.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 42.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Bloomington, IL
$79,990 (2019) → $124,100 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$92,540 (2019) → $131,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bloomington, IL
Springfield, 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