Lawyer Salary
legal · United States · 2025
National Median
$128,000
per year
National Salary Data
P10
$65k
Entry level
P25
$88k
Junior
P50
$128k
Median
P75
$185k
Senior
P90
$260k
Top earner
P10
$65,000
P50
$128,000
P90
$260,000
Salary Distribution Chart
City Salary Comparison
| City | P25 | Median | P75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CAHighest | $132,000 | $192,000 | $277,500 |
| New York, NY | $118,800 | $172,800 | $249,750 |
| Seattle, WA | $114,400 | $166,400 | $240,500 |
| Boston, MA | $110,000 | $160,000 | $231,250 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $105,600 | $153,600 | $222,000 |
| Austin, TX | $96,800 | $140,800 | $203,500 |
| Denver, CO | $96,800 | $140,800 | $203,500 |
| Chicago, IL | $92,400 | $134,400 | $194,250 |
| Dallas, TX | $88,000 | $128,000 | $185,000 |
| Miami, FL | $83,600 | $121,600 | $175,750 |
H-1B Average Wage
$125,440
DOL prevailing wage reference for Lawyer
Source: U.S. Department of Labor H-1B Disclosure Data
Quick Stats
P10–P90 Range$65,000 – $260,000
Interquartile Range$88,000 – $185,000
Top City (SF)$192,000
Industrylegal
Salary Negotiation Calculator
Based on Lawyer market data
$
$
Market Median: $128,000
Current
$80,000
Increase
+$48,000
(+60.0%)
Target
$128,000
Negotiation Tips
- Research the market rate thoroughly — you are doing that now!
- Ask for 10-20% above your target to leave room for negotiation.
- Highlight your unique achievements and quantifiable impact.
- Consider the full compensation package: equity, benefits, PTO.
- Practice your pitch out loud before the actual conversation.