Chicago vs Quincy: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Chicago, IL and Quincy, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Quincy, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,446▲ | $129,083 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.38▲ | $62.06 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,162▲ | $74,868 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,008▲ | $92,939 |
| 75th Percentile | $243,187▲ | $165,226 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $346,704▲ | $200,078 |
| Total Employed | 28,320▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Quincy.
The salary gap between Chicago and Quincy is $44,363 (34.37%). 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 Chicago spans $255,542,Quincy spans $125,210. Chicago 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, Chicago ($167,427 effective) pays 25.94% more than Quincy ($132,938 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Quincy if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Chicago grew 22.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -20.7% growth in Quincy over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$135,510 (2019) → $165,660 (2025)
Quincy, IL
$155,477 (2024) → $123,288 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Quincy, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Chicago or Quincy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Quincy?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Quincy as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Chicago vs Quincy?
Related Comparisons
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