Springfield vs Waukegan: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Springfield, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Springfield, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $137,576▲ | $133,209 |
| Hourly Rate | $66.15▲ | $64.04 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,206▲ | $77,261 |
| 25th Percentile | $103,014▲ | $95,910 |
| 75th Percentile | $178,995▲ | $170,507 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $232,120▲ | $206,474 |
| Total Employed | 530▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Springfield, IL offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Waukegan.
The salary gap between Springfield and Waukegan is $4,367 (3.28%). 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 Springfield spans $152,914,Waukegan spans $129,213. Springfield 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 8.13% more than Waukegan ($137,187 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Springfield grew 42.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -20.7% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Springfield, IL
$92,540 (2019) → $131,400 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$160,446 (2024) → $127,229 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Springfield, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
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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