Attorney Attorney Salary in San Francisco, CA

Attorney Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on Mar 10, 2026
Position
City
Salary

How much does a Attorney make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Attorney is $164,124 per year in San Francisco, CA.
Yearly
Monthly
Weekly
Hourly
Graph depicting the yearly salary distribution for Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $164,124 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the monthly salary distribution for Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $13,677 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the weekly salary distribution for Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $3,156 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.
Graph depicting the hourly salary distribution for Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA, showing an average salary of $79 with varying distribution percentages across salary ranges.

In San Francisco, CA, attorneys earn a strong salary. The average yearly salary for an attorney in this area is about $164,124. This means most attorneys can expect to make a good living. The salary range for attorneys spans from $87,000 to $312,500 per year. This range shows the difference in earnings based on experience and specialization.

Attorneys in San Francisco benefit from the city's robust economy and high cost of living. Many attorneys earn higher salaries to match the expenses of living in such a pricey area. For those new to the field, starting salaries might be on the lower end of the spectrum. As they gain experience, their earnings can grow. Specialization in areas like corporate law, criminal law, or intellectual property law can also lead to higher salaries. Experienced attorneys, especially those who have built a strong reputation, often command the higher end of the salary range.

Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA
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What are the highest paying cities for a Attorney near San Francisco, CA?

Palo Alto offers the highest average salary for attorneys near San Francisco. Professionals can expect to earn around $210,943 annually in this city. Sunnyvale also stands out with an average salary of $198,688, making it another lucrative area for legal careers. Santa Clara provides the third-highest salary, at $183,979, followed closely by Sausalito with $173,364. These cities present excellent opportunities for attorneys seeking both high earnings and professional growth.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Attorney jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Palo Alto, CA with the highest at $210,943 and San Mateo, CA with the lowest at $140,455.

  1. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $210,943
    Palo Alto offers a dynamic environment for legal professionals. With tech giants like Google and Facebook nearby, attorneys often handle intellectual property and employment law. Networking opportunities abound in this vibrant community.
    Find Attorney jobs in Palo Alto, CA


  2. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $198,688
    In Sunnyvale, attorneys find a thriving tech hub. Many firms focus on corporate law, startups, and intellectual property. The area's innovation attracts top legal talent, providing exciting career prospects.
    Find Attorney jobs in Sunnyvale, CA


  3. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $183,979
    Santa Clara is home to Silicon Valley’s legal talent. Attorneys here often work with tech companies, handling contracts and litigation. The fast-paced environment keeps things dynamic and engaging.
    Find Attorney jobs in Santa Clara, CA


  4. Sausalito, CA
    Average Salary: $173,364
    Sausalito offers a more relaxed pace for legal work. Many attorneys focus on maritime, environmental, and real estate law. The scenic surroundings provide a peaceful yet professional atmosphere.
    Find Attorney jobs in Sausalito, CA


  5. Hayward, CA
    Average Salary: $166,250
    Hayward presents a balanced work environment with both corporate and civil law opportunities. Attorneys can work for local businesses or larger firms. The area provides a mix of challenges and stability.
    Find Attorney jobs in Hayward, CA


  6. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $165,937
    San Jose is a bustling center for legal professionals. Many attorneys work in tech and startups, specializing in intellectual property and employment law. The city offers numerous career advancement opportunities.
    Find Attorney jobs in San Jose, CA


  7. Redwood City, CA
    Average Salary: $152,022
    Redwood City offers a mix of corporate and personal injury law. Attorneys work with a variety of clients, from tech companies to local residents. The community is supportive, making it a great place to build a career.
    Find Attorney jobs in Redwood City, CA


  8. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $151,767
    Oakland provides diverse legal opportunities. Many attorneys focus on civil rights, family law, and public interest. The city's vibrant culture adds a unique flavor to legal work here.
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  9. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $147,344
    Menlo Park is a tech-centric city with many opportunities for attorneys. Many firms deal with venture capital, startups, and intellectual property. The area’s innovation keeps legal work exciting.
    Find Attorney jobs in Menlo Park, CA


  10. San Mateo, CA
    Average Salary: $140,455
    San Mateo offers a blend of corporate and personal injury law. Attorneys often work with tech companies and local businesses. The area provides a stable and rewarding environment for legal professionals.
    Find Attorney jobs in San Mateo, CA

What are the best paying companies for a Attorney in San Francisco, CA?

Job seekers for attorney roles in San Francisco, CA, can aim for the City and County of San Francisco, where average salaries reach up to $212,885. Latitude and Wilson Elser offer strong compensation packages, with salaries starting around $202,000 and $195,417, respectively. Other companies like gpac and USA Compression also provide competitive pay, making them great options for those looking to advance their legal careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting City and County of San Francisco with the highest at $212,885 and Kahana & Feld LLP with the lowest at $163,333.

  1. City and County of San Francisco
    Average Salary: $212,885
    The City and County of San Francisco offers a variety of legal positions for Attorneys. They handle municipal law and litigation. Their offices are located in San Francisco, CA.


  2. Latitude
    Average Salary: $202,000
    Latitude provides legal services with a focus on tech companies. Attorneys work in San Francisco, CA, and handle cases in intellectual property, contracts, and employment law.


  3. Wilson Elser
    Average Salary: $195,417
    Wilson Elser is a national law firm with offices in San Francisco, CA. They offer diverse legal services, and Attorneys work on litigation, business law, and intellectual property.


  4. gpac
    Average Salary: $188,500
    gpac offers a range of legal positions in San Francisco, CA. Their focus includes corporate law, real estate, and intellectual property. They help Attorneys find the right fit for their skills.


  5. USA Compression
    Average Salary: $179,583
    USA Compression operates in San Francisco, CA, and seeks Attorneys for in-house legal work. They handle contracts, compliance, and litigation, providing a dynamic work environment.


  6. The State Bar of California
    Average Salary: $178,542
    The State Bar of California offers legal positions in San Francisco, CA. Attorneys work on regulatory issues, ethics, and admissions. They focus on serving the legal community in California.


  7. Innovative Driven
    Average Salary: $175,000
    Innovative Driven provides legal services in San Francisco, CA. Attorneys handle a mix of corporate and litigation matters, supporting innovative companies in the region.


  8. Mission Recruiting
    Average Salary: $170,182
    Mission Recruiting helps place Attorneys in San Francisco, CA. They focus on tech and legal sectors, providing opportunities in corporate law, litigation, and compliance.


  9. Judicial Council of California
    Average Salary: $167,705
    The Judicial Council of California offers legal positions in San Francisco, CA. Attorneys work on administrative and procedural law, supporting the state's judicial system.


  10. Kahana & Feld LLP
    Average Salary: $163,333
    Kahana & Feld LLP provides legal services in San Francisco, CA. Attorneys handle cases in corporate law, real estate, and intellectual property, offering a dynamic work environment.

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