Attorney Salary in San Francisco, CA

Updated on May 09, 2025
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How much does a Attorney make in San Francisco, CA?

The average salary for a Attorney is $160,124 per year in San Francisco, CA.

Attorneys in San Francisco, CA, earn a competitive salary. The average salary for an attorney in this city is around $160,124 per year. This figure can vary based on experience, specialization, and the type of law firm. For those just starting, salaries can range from $81,000 to $102,045 annually. As attorneys gain more experience, their salaries can increase significantly.

Experienced attorneys can earn between $123,091 and $144,136 per year. Those with a few years of experience can expect to make between $144,136 and $165,182 annually. Top-tier attorneys, often with many years of experience or in specialized fields, can earn upwards of $207,273 per year. Some attorneys, especially those in high-demand areas like corporate law, can earn even more, reaching up to $291,455 annually.

Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA

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

Job seekers looking for attorney positions near San Francisco, CA, can find some of the highest paying opportunities in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. These cities offer competitive salaries, making them attractive for legal professionals. Palo Alto tops the list with an average salary of $221,776, followed closely by Sunnyvale and Santa Clara. Exploring these cities can lead to rewarding career opportunities with excellent compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Attorney jobs near San Francisco, CA, highlighting Palo Alto, CA with the highest at $221,776 and Fremont, CA with the lowest at $129,229.
  1. Palo Alto, CA
    Average Salary: $221,776
    Palo Alto offers a dynamic environment for legal professionals. With tech giants like Google and Facebook nearby, opportunities for tech law are abundant. The city's vibrant community and high standard of living make it an attractive place to work.
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  2. Sunnyvale, CA
    Average Salary: $194,643
    Sunnyvale is a hub for tech companies, making it a prime location for those in the tech law field. The city's growing population and business-friendly environment provide a fertile ground for legal careers. Opportunities for growth and networking are plentiful.
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  3. Santa Clara, CA
    Average Salary: $156,662
    Santa Clara is known for its tech industry, offering many opportunities for legal professionals. The presence of major tech companies like Intel and Apple creates a demand for skilled attorneys. The city's diverse community and quality of life add to its appeal.
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  4. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $149,739
    San Jose is a bustling city with a strong tech sector, providing numerous opportunities for legal careers. The city's vibrant economy and diverse population make it an exciting place to work. With many tech firms, there is a high demand for tech law expertise.
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  5. Oakland, CA
    Average Salary: $141,962
    Oakland offers a unique blend of urban and suburban living, with a strong legal presence. The city's diverse community and growing tech industry provide many opportunities. The cost of living is moderate, making it an attractive option for many.
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  6. Sausalito, CA
    Average Salary: $141,000
    Sausalito is a picturesque city with a small-town feel and big-city opportunities. The scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere make it a great place to work. The presence of tech companies and a strong legal community offers diverse career options.
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  7. San Mateo, CA
    Average Salary: $137,778
    San Mateo is known for its affluent community and strong tech industry. The city offers a high quality of life and many opportunities for legal professionals. The presence of major tech companies creates a demand for skilled attorneys.
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  8. Menlo Park, CA
    Average Salary: $137,525
    Menlo Park is a vibrant city with a strong tech presence, offering many opportunities for legal careers. The city's innovative environment and proximity to major tech companies make it an attractive place to work. The community is diverse and welcoming.
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  9. Napa, CA
    Average Salary: $134,232
    Napa is known for its wine country charm and growing tech industry. The city offers a unique blend of rural and urban opportunities. The presence of tech companies and a strong legal community provides diverse career options.
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  10. Fremont, CA
    Average Salary: $129,229
    Fremont is a growing city with a strong tech sector, offering many opportunities for legal professionals. The city's diverse community and business-friendly environment make it an attractive place to work. The presence of major tech companies creates a demand for skilled attorneys.
    Find Attorney jobs in Fremont, CA

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

Job seekers looking for top-paying attorney positions in San Francisco, CA, should consider companies like City and County of San Francisco, Illapa Search, and Wilson Elser. These firms offer competitive salaries, with City and County of San Francisco leading at $214,756 per year. Other notable employers include Binding Minds and USA Compression, with salaries reaching $184,000 and $179,583, respectively.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA, highlighting City and County of San Francisco with the highest at $214,756 and Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP with the lowest at $165,106.
  1. City and County of San Francisco
    Average Salary: $214,756
    The City and County of San Francisco offers a variety of legal positions. Attorneys work on city policies, contracts, and public interest cases. The company operates throughout San Francisco, CA.


  2. Illapa Search
    Average Salary: $207,875
    Illapa Search provides legal staffing services. Attorneys here work on placements and recruitment. The company operates in San Francisco, CA, and beyond.


  3. Wilson Elser
    Average Salary: $194,286
    Wilson Elser is a national law firm with a strong presence in San Francisco. Attorneys here handle litigation, intellectual property, and more. The company operates across the United States.


  4. Binding Minds
    Average Salary: $184,000
    Binding Minds focuses on legal tech and innovation. Attorneys here work on tech law, compliance, and more. The company operates in San Francisco, CA, and other tech hubs.


  5. USA Compression
    Average Salary: $179,583
    USA Compression specializes in compression therapy. Attorneys here handle intellectual property, contracts, and litigation. The company operates in San Francisco, CA.


  6. The State Bar of California
    Average Salary: $178,542
    The State Bar of California regulates the legal profession. Attorneys here work on policy, ethics, and licensing. The company operates throughout California.


  7. Wade Law Group
    Average Salary: $171,667
    Wade Law Group offers legal services in various areas. Attorneys here work on litigation, family law, and more. The company operates in San Francisco, CA.


  8. gpac
    Average Salary: $169,258
    gpac is a staffing firm specializing in legal placements. Attorneys here work on recruitment and job placement. The company operates in San Francisco, CA.


  9. Judicial Council of California
    Average Salary: $166,127
    The Judicial Council of California supports the state's court system. Attorneys here work on legal policy, administration, and more. The company operates throughout California.


  10. Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP
    Average Salary: $165,106
    Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP is a national law firm with a strong presence in San Francisco. Attorneys here handle litigation, employment law, and more. The company operates across the United States.

Currently 2,984 Attorney job openings, nationwide.

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Attorney
2,984 Job Openings