Cicero vs Springfield: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Cicero, IL and Springfield, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Cicero, IL | Springfield, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $128,752 | $137,576▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.90 | $66.15▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,676 | $79,206▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $92,701 | $103,014▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $164,802 | $178,995▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $199,566 | $232,120▲ |
| Total Employed | 21 | 530▲ |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Cicero.
The salary gap between Cicero and Springfield is $8,824 (6.85%). 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 Cicero spans $124,890,Springfield spans $152,914. Springfield 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, Springfield ($148,338 effective) pays 11.87% more than Cicero ($132,597 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Cicero if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Springfield if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($137,576/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($232,120)
- ✓Larger job market (530 employed)
- ✓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 Cicero grew -20.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 42.0% growth in Springfield over the same period.
Cicero, IL
$155,079 (2024) → $122,972 (2025)
Springfield, IL
$92,540 (2019) → $131,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Cicero, IL
Springfield, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Cicero or Springfield?
What is the hourly rate difference between Cicero and Springfield?
Should I relocate from Cicero to Springfield as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Cicero vs Springfield?
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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