Environmental Lawyer Salary in Chicago, IL
Environmental Lawyer salary data for Chicago, IL — adjusted for local cost of living. Entry-level to senior pay ranges, take-home pay calculator, and local job market insights.
Environmental Lawyer Salary in Chicago, IL — 2026
The median Environmental Lawyer salary in Chicago, IL is $119,840 per year ($9,987/month, $58/hr). This reflects the local cost of living index of 107, which is 7% above the national average.
Environmental Lawyer Take-Home Pay in Chicago
Tax Breakdown (Median Salary)
| Gross Annual | $119,840 |
| Federal Tax | -$18,009 |
| State Tax (5.0%) | -$5,932 |
| FICA (SS + Medicare) | -$9,168 |
| Annual Take-Home | $86,732 |
| Monthly Take-Home | $7,228 |
Living Cost Comparison
Environmental Lawyer Requirements
Key Skills
Chicago Job Market Overview
Chicago, Illinois has a population of 2,696,555 and an unemployment rate of 4.2%. The top industries are Finance, Technology, Healthcare. The local job growth rate is 1.5%, and the average commute time is 35 minutes.
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Environmental Lawyer Salary in Nearby Illinois Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Environmental Lawyer salary in Chicago, IL?
How much does a Environmental Lawyer take home in Chicago after taxes?
Is Chicago a good city for Environmental Lawyers?
What skills are needed for a Environmental Lawyer in Chicago?
How does Environmental Lawyer salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Environmental Lawyer salary in Chicago, IL?
The median Environmental Lawyer salary in Chicago, IL is $119,840 per year as of 2026. This is adjusted for the local cost of living index of 107. Entry-level Environmental Lawyers earn around $70,620, while senior-level professionals can earn $165,850 or more.
How much does a Environmental Lawyer take home in Chicago after taxes?
A Environmental Lawyer earning the median salary of $119,840 in Chicago, IL takes home approximately $86,732 per year ($7,228/month) after federal, state, and local taxes. The effective tax rate is 27.6%.
Is Chicago a good city for Environmental Lawyers?
Chicago, IL has a cost of living index of 107 (above national average). Environmental Lawyers here earn above the city median. The local unemployment rate is 4.2% and top industries include Finance, Technology, Healthcare.
What skills are needed for a Environmental Lawyer in Chicago?
Key skills for Environmental Lawyers include Environmental Law, EPA Regulations, Litigation, Regulatory Compliance, Land Use. Typical education requirement is Juris Doctor (JD). Valuable certifications include Bar Admission, Environmental Law Certificate.
How does Environmental Lawyer salary in Chicago compare to the national average?
The national median Environmental Lawyer salary is $112,000. In Chicago, the adjusted salary is $119,840, which is 7.0% higher than the national average, reflecting the local cost of living.