Paralegal Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $28.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Des Plaines, IL runs $28.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,032 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,016 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Des Plaines, Illinois, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to hit $28.86 by 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30 per hour. This disparity means that paralegals working part-time, such as those in law firms or corporate environments who may only put in three days a week, can anticipate earning around $1,099.44 on average for a 24-hour workweek. The hourly compensation for paralegals ranges from $20.71 for entry-level positions to $44.74 for seasoned professionals, offering a feasible pathway for those seeking entry or opportunities to advance. The work environments can be varied, with roles typically found in law firm cubicles, corporate legal offices, and remote e-discovery review settings, all of which highlight the flexibility and diversity of the paralegal profession.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($64,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.71 | $165.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.39 | $179.11 |
| Median (P50) | $28.86 | $230.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.53 | $292.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.74 | $357.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $28.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.86/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $60,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,630. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,154.34 | $5,002 | $60,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.61 | $3,001 | $36,016 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.74 | $2,001 | $24,010 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Des Plaines) | $28.86 |
| Lawyer (National Avg) | $81.25 |
| Legal Secretary (National Avg) | $26.86 |
| Court Reporter (National Avg) | $30.10 |
| Title Examiner / Abstractor (National Avg) | $29.85 |
Paralegals in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $60,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.78% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $62,080.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.86/hr = $36,016/year (purchasing power: $37,091).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,026/year (purchasing power: $61,819).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Des Plaines grew 21.6% from $22.94/hr (2019) to $27.88/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.87/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem paralegals can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.51% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Paralegal in Des Plaines
For part-time paralegals, those working three days a week typically take home less than their full-time counterparts, which can limit their annual earnings significantly. Freelance and per-diem paralegals in Des Plaines commonly charge between $25 and $50 per hour, with specialized e-discovery workers often commanding $30 to $60 per hour. Corporate freelance roles can bring in pay rates as high as $75 per hour, while trial preparation paralegals can earn even more, with rates between $50 and $90 per hour during busy litigation periods. The employer type also influences hourly rates, as paralegals in established law firms or corporate legal departments may earn more than those in public service roles. Negotiating hourly rates can hinge on the availability of benefits; some paralegals may opt for lower pay in exchange for health insurance, while others may prefer higher pay without benefits. Understanding the local employment market is crucial when establishing pay expectations in Des Plaines.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for paralegals in Des Plaines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for paralegals (SOC 23-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov