Lawyer Salary in 2026
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters, from criminal defense to corporate transactions. They research law, prepare documents, and argue cases in court.
Median Salary
$135,000
$11,250/mo
Entry Level
$74,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$200,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Lawyer Overview
Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters, from criminal defense to corporate transactions. They research law, prepare documents, and argue cases in court.
Education
Juris Doctor (JD)
Experience
0-3 years
Industry
Legal
Total Jobs (US)
810K
5-Year Growth
+19%
Category
Legal
Hourly Rate
$64.90/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,250
Lawyer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Lawyer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Lawyer Salary
$157,000
$13,083/month · $6,038/biweekly · $75.48/hr
Lawyer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Lawyer field.
Entry-level Lawyers earn around $74,000, while the top 10% earn $244,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Lawyers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $159,000 | +$24,000 |
| New York | $155,000 | +$20,000 |
| Illinois | $140,000 | +$5,000 |
| Texas | $132,000 | $-3,000 |
| Florida | $132,000 | $-3,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Lawyers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $159,000 | +$24,000 |
| Los Angeles | $151,000 | +$16,000 |
| Chicago | $142,000 | +$7,000 |
| Miami | $138,000 | +$3,000 |
| Houston | $134,000 | $-1,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Lawyer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Lawyer from entry level to expert.
$74,000
0-2 years
$137,000
3-7 years
$200,000
8-14 years
$288,000
15+ years
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Lawyer Salary FAQ
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