Attorney Salaries

Attorneys can earn a wide range of salaries, depending on their experience and the type of law they practice. The average yearly salary for an attorney is around $121,087. Many attorneys earn less when starting their careers, but their salaries can increase substantially as they gain experience and take on more responsibilities.

Salaries for attorneys can start at about $60,000. As they move up in their careers, they often see big jumps in pay. For example, those with several years of experience might earn around $76,091 or $92,182. More experienced attorneys often make even more, with salaries reaching $108,273 or $124,364.

The highest-paid attorneys can earn up to $237,000. These top earners typically work for large firms or specialize in high-demand areas of law. Overall, becoming an attorney can be a rewarding career, both professionally and financially.

1. San Francisco, CA
   Average Salary: $157,577
   Working in San Francisco offers a vibrant environment with many high-tech companies. Legal professionals find opportunities in startups and established firms like Salesforce and Google.
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2. Los Angeles, CA
   Average Salary: $149,960
   Los Angeles is known for its entertainment and media sectors, providing diverse legal opportunities. Professionals can work with major companies like Disney and Warner Bros, handling intellectual property and contract law.
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3. Washington, DC
   Average Salary: $148,843
   Washington, DC serves as a hub for legal work related to government and public policy. Attorneys in this city often engage with federal agencies and non-profits, influencing important legislative matters.
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4. San Jose, CA
   Average Salary: $144,680
   San Jose, located in Silicon Valley, focuses on technology and innovation. Law professionals work with tech giants and startups, navigating issues in patents, privacy, and corporate law.
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5. Sacramento, CA
   Average Salary: $139,028
   Sacramento, the state capital, offers a unique blend of government and public interest law. Legal professionals frequently collaborate with lawmakers and engage in regulatory matters that impact California.
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6. San Diego, CA
   Average Salary: $137,901
   San Diego combines beautiful weather with a growing economy. Attorneys here often specialize in health care law, biotech, and maritime law, influenced by the region’s industries.
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7. Seattle, WA
   Average Salary: $135,029
   Seattle's economy thrives on technology and global trade. Legal professionals often work with major corporations like Amazon and Boeing, focusing on commercial and technology-related legal issues.
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8. Denver, CO
   Average Salary: $135,024
   Denver provides a mix of urban and outdoor lifestyles, along with a growing legal market. Attorneys can find opportunities in real estate, environmental law, and corporate sectors.
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9. Stamford, CT
   Average Salary: $134,970
   Stamford is a financial center with a strong focus on corporate law and finance. Legal professionals work with large firms and businesses, often dealing with mergers, acquisitions, and compliance.
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10. Killeen, TX
    Average Salary: $128,478
    Killeen features a community-oriented environment, largely linked to the military. Attorneys in this area often work on legal matters related to family law and military services, providing essential support to service members.
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1. Paul Hastings LLP
   Average Salary: $296,073
   Paul Hastings LLP offers high salaries for attorney positions. The firm operates in major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, providing opportunities in various areas of law.
   




2. Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP
   Average Salary: $276,654
   Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP is well-known for compensating its attorneys generously. The firm has a strong presence in cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco, focusing on diverse legal practices.
   




3. Clark Hill PLC
   Average Salary: $262,500
   Clark Hill PLC provides competitive salaries for its attorneys. With offices in locations like Detroit and Phoenix, the firm delivers a wide range of legal services across various industries.
   




4. Zinda Law Group
   Average Salary: $253,871
   Zinda Law Group is recognized for its attractive salary packages for attorneys. The firm is based primarily in Texas, focusing on personal injury law and providing strong support for its legal team.
   




5. Chicago Legal Search
   Average Salary: $246,029
   Chicago Legal Search offers promising salaries and opportunities for attorneys. The firm operates mainly in Chicago and specializes in legal recruitment and placement services.
   




6. Perkins Coie
   Average Salary: $242,845
   Perkins Coie is a well-respected firm that compensates its attorneys well. With a presence in cities like Seattle and Washington, D.C., the firm covers a wide range of legal sectors.
   




7. DLA Piper
   Average Salary: $240,117
   DLA Piper is a global firm that offers excellent salaries for attorney roles. The firm is located in major cities around the world, providing lawyers with a diverse range of practice areas and clients.
   




8. County of Santa Clara
   Average Salary: $235,034
   The County of Santa Clara provides competitive salaries to its legal staff. This public sector entity operates in California, focusing on local government law and community services.
   




9. Fox Rothschild LLP
   Average Salary: $233,455
   Fox Rothschild LLP is known for its strong salary offerings for attorneys. The firm has offices in cities such as Philadelphia and New York, and serves a wide variety of clients across multiple sectors.
   




10. iLocatum
    Average Salary: $226,540
    iLocatum specializes in technology and legal services, providing competitive salaries for attorneys. The firm mainly operates in tech hubs, focusing on innovative legal solutions.
    

To earn more as an attorney, consider these important factors:

1. Specialization: Focus on a specific area of law that interests you. Specializing can increase your value and allow you to command higher fees.
2. Experience: Build your experience by taking on diverse cases. The more experience you have, the more you can charge for your services.
3. Networking: Connect with other professionals in your field. Building strong relationships can lead to referrals and new clients.
4. Location: Choose a location with demand for legal services. City centers often pay higher salaries due to increased competition and client needs.
5. Continuing Education: Invest in further education and certifications. Staying updated on legal trends can enhance your skills and increase your marketability.