How to Become A Paralegal in Illinois
Illinois employs approximately 14,130 paralegals according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $63,670 1. Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 0.2% from 2024 to 2034, with about 39,300 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a paralegal in Illinois, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Paralegal in Illinois
How do I become a paralegal in Illinois? Illinois does not require a state license for paralegals, but employers typically expect industry certifications such as CP (Certified Paralegal) and AAfPE Certificate. Complete a training program to prepare.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Illinois? No state license is required, but certifications such as CP (Certified Paralegal) and AAfPE Certificate are expected by most employers.
What do paralegals earn in Illinois? The median annual wage for paralegals in Illinois is $63,670 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $46,860 and experienced professionals can earn $104,580 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Illinois): $63,670 per year 1
Paralegal Certification Options in Illinois
Illinois does not require a state license to work as a paralegal. However, industry certifications can strengthen your resume and may be required by employers.
Common certifications for paralegals include:
- CP (Certified Paralegal)
- AAfPE Certificate
For more information, visit the NALA - Paralegal Association 3. Contact training programs in Illinois for details on certification preparation courses.
Paralegal Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
Paralegals and Legal Assistants Wages by Metro Area in Illinois
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), paralegals and legal assistants wages in Illinois vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | 11,590 | $70,550 | $74,920 | $50,160 | $106,040 |
| St. Louis | 4,030 | $61,970 | $64,720 | $45,950 | $97,830 |
| Peoria | 370 | $61,220 | $66,090 | $42,920 | $98,230 |
| Davenport-Moline-Rock Island | 280 | $57,030 | $58,240 | $38,280 | $81,170 |
| Bloomington | 260 | $60,160 | $63,660 | $46,590 | $88,510 |
| Springfield | 230 | $59,990 | $62,490 | $43,040 | $78,350 |
| Rockford | 200 | $59,700 | $61,790 | $40,430 | $80,610 |
| Champaign-Urbana | 100 | $58,580 | $61,400 | $45,910 | $80,020 |
| Paducah | 90 | $59,110 | $57,640 | $35,670 | $75,880 |
| Cape Girardeau | 60 | $46,160 | $51,630 | $40,570 | $69,860 |
| Decatur | 30 | $59,690 | $61,830 | $45,280 | $85,050 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.
Top Metros for Paralegals in Illinois
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest paralegal employment within Illinois according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | 11,590 | $70,550 |
| Peoria | 370 | $61,220 |
| Bloomington | 260 | $60,160 |
| Springfield | 230 | $59,990 |
| Rockford | 200 | $59,700 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for paralegals in Illinois? Illinois currently employs approximately 14,130 paralegals 1. Nationally, paralegal employment is projected to grow 0.2% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Illinois? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Illinois.
How much do paralegals earn in Illinois compared to the national average? The median annual wage for paralegals in Illinois is $63,670, which is $2,660 above the national median of $61,010 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
NALA - Paralegal Association: https://www.nala.org/ ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |