Attorney / Lawyer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$138,000
national median salary
$92,000 to $198,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$190,000
San Francisco, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$144,000
Indianapolis, IN
Lowest Paying
$104,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Attorney / Lawyer salary in the United States is $138,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $92,000 at the 25th percentile to $198,000 at the 75th. San Francisco pays the most at $190,000, while Indianapolis offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Practice area is the dominant driver, with BigLaw associates earning two to three times what government or public interest attorneys make.
Attorney / Lawyer salary by city
Skills that increase Attorney / Lawyer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Attorney / Lawyers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $19,320 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$19,320 per year
≈ +$17,940 per year
≈ +$16,560 per year
≈ +$15,180 per year
≈ +$15,180 per year
≈ +$13,800 per year
≈ +$13,800 per year
≈ +$12,420 per year
What you should know
Practice area is the dominant driver, with BigLaw associates earning two to three times what government or public interest attorneys make. Geographic market, firm size, and specialization in high-demand areas like M&A or securities litigation push compensation significantly higher.
Junior associates start at $92,000 to $125,000 at midsize firms. Senior associates reach $150,000 to $200,000 after five to seven years. Partners and general counsel typically earn $220,000 to $400,000 or more depending on origination credit and firm profitability.
BigLaw firms offer annual bonuses of $20,000 to $115,000 tied to billable hours. In-house roles add equity grants, profit-sharing, and comprehensive benefits including sabbaticals and bar dues coverage.