Chicago vs Wheeling: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Chicago, IL and Wheeling, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Wheeling, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,446▲ | $129,846 |
| Hourly Rate | $83.38▲ | $62.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $91,162▲ | $75,311 |
| 25th Percentile | $112,008▲ | $93,489 |
| 75th Percentile | $243,187▲ | $166,203 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $346,704▲ | $201,261 |
| Total Employed | 28,320▲ | 6 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheeling.
The salary gap between Chicago and Wheeling is $43,600 (33.58%). 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,Wheeling spans $125,950. 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 25.20% more than Wheeling ($133,724 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 Wheeling 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 Wheeling over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$135,510 (2019) → $165,660 (2025)
Wheeling, IL
$156,397 (2024) → $124,017 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Wheeling, 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