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Salary

How much does a Attorney make?

The average salary for a Attorney is $120,399 per year in the US.

Attorneys play a crucial role in the legal system, and their salaries reflect the importance of their work. The average yearly salary for an attorney stands at $120,399. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of law practiced. For those just starting, salaries may be lower, but they have the potential to grow significantly over time.

The salary distribution for attorneys shows a wide range of earnings. The lowest 10% of attorneys earn around $59,890 annually, while the top 10% can earn over $250,000 per year. This range highlights the opportunities for advancement and the potential for higher earnings with more experience and specialization. Factors like working in a big city or a specialized field can also lead to higher salaries.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Attorney?

Attorneys in San Francisco, CA, enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation. With an average salary of $166,641, this city offers lucrative opportunities. San Jose, CA, follows closely with an average salary of $163,619, making it another top choice for legal professionals. Los Angeles, CA, Washington, DC, and San Diego, CA, also provide competitive salaries for attorneys. These cities offer strong job markets and attractive compensation packages.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Attorney jobs, highlighting San Francisco, CA with the highest at $166,641 and Corpus Christi, TX with the lowest at $138,839.
  1. San Francisco, CA
    Average Salary: $166,641
    San Francisco offers a dynamic environment for legal professionals. The city's tech industry and financial sector create a high demand for skilled attorneys. Companies like Google and Salesforce often seek legal expertise.
    Find Attorney jobs in San Francisco, CA


  2. San Jose, CA
    Average Salary: $163,619
    San Jose is a hub for tech companies, making it a prime location for attorneys specializing in tech law. The area's innovation attracts many legal firms. Companies such as Apple and Cisco provide ample opportunities.
    Find Attorney jobs in San Jose, CA


  3. Los Angeles, CA
    Average Salary: $153,988
    Los Angeles is a bustling city with a diverse legal landscape. The entertainment industry and major corporations create a need for attorneys in various fields. Firms like Latham & Watkins and Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher are prominent.
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  4. Washington, DC
    Average Salary: $152,997
    Washington, DC, is a political center with a strong demand for attorneys in government and public policy. The city offers many opportunities in law firms and government agencies. Firms like Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom are well-known.
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  5. San Diego, CA
    Average Salary: $143,346
    San Diego provides a vibrant atmosphere for legal professionals. The city's strong economy and military presence create a steady demand for attorneys. Firms like Holland & Hart and Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith are active in the area.
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  6. Sacramento, CA
    Average Salary: $143,196
    Sacramento offers a unique blend of government and private sector opportunities. The state capital attracts attorneys focused on public policy and government relations. Firms like Duane Morris and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati are active here.
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  7. Minneapolis, MN
    Average Salary: $141,612
    Minneapolis is known for its strong legal community. The city's diverse economy and major corporations create a need for skilled attorneys. Firms like Dorsey & Whitney and Robins Kaplan are prominent in the area.
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  8. Anchorage, AK
    Average Salary: $141,124
    Anchorage offers a unique legal environment with a mix of oil and gas, fishing, and government sectors. The city's remote location provides a distinct set of challenges and opportunities for attorneys. Firms like Atwood, Hanson, Callaghan & Johnson and Doogan & Associates are well-established.
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  9. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $140,983
    Seattle's tech boom and strong economy create a high demand for attorneys. The city's vibrant legal community offers many opportunities in tech law and corporate law. Firms like Perkins Coie and Lane Powell are well-known.
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  10. Corpus Christi, TX
    Average Salary: $138,839
    Corpus Christi offers a diverse legal landscape with opportunities in oil and gas, maritime law, and healthcare. The city's strong economy provides a steady demand for skilled attorneys. Firms like Fulbright & Jaworski and Jackson Walker are active in the area.
    Find Attorney jobs in Corpus Christi, TX

What are the best companies a Attorney can work for?

County of Santa Clara offers the highest average salary for attorneys, with an impressive annual pay of $236,067. This makes it a top choice for those seeking a lucrative career in law. Following closely, iLocatum provides an average salary of $214,106, making it another excellent option for legal professionals. Bank of America, DLA Piper, and Antonyan Miranda LLP also offer competitive salaries, ranging from $205,219 to $197,500. These companies provide stable and rewarding opportunities for attorneys looking to advance their careers.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Attorney jobs, highlighting County of Santa Clara with the highest at $236,067 and KNIGHT LAW GROUP with the lowest at $186,364.
  1. County of Santa Clara
    Average Salary: $236,067
    The County of Santa Clara offers a variety of legal positions. They focus on public service and operate in Santa Clara, California. Their roles often involve complex cases and community impact.


  2. iLocatum
    Average Salary: $214,106
    iLocatum provides legal services with a focus on technology and innovation. They operate in multiple locations, including California and New York. Their attorneys work on cutting-edge cases and projects.


  3. Bank of America
    Average Salary: $205,219
    Bank of America offers legal positions in financial services. They operate nationwide. Their attorneys handle regulatory compliance and corporate law matters.


  4. DLA Piper
    Average Salary: $197,914
    DLA Piper is a global law firm with a strong presence in the United States. They offer diverse legal roles. Their attorneys work on international and domestic matters.


  5. Antonyan Miranda LLP
    Average Salary: $197,500
    Antonyan Miranda LLP specializes in personal injury law. They operate in California. Their attorneys focus on representing clients in injury cases.


  6. Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
    Average Salary: $190,455
    The Law Offices of Jacob Emrani focus on criminal defense. They operate in California. Their attorneys defend clients in criminal cases.


  7. Latitude
    Average Salary: $188,873
    Latitude offers legal positions in various sectors. They operate in multiple locations, including California and New York. Their attorneys work on a range of legal issues.


  8. USAA
    Average Salary: $188,490
    USAA provides legal services for military members and their families. They operate nationwide. Their attorneys handle legal matters specific to the military community.


  9. Boutique Recruiting
    Average Salary: $187,750
    Boutique Recruiting offers legal positions in various industries. They operate in multiple locations, including California and New York. Their attorneys work on a range of legal issues.


  10. KNIGHT LAW GROUP
    Average Salary: $186,364
    KNIGHT LAW GROUP specializes in personal injury law. They operate in California. Their attorneys focus on representing clients in injury cases.

How to earn more as a Attorney?

Becoming a successful attorney involves more than just passing the bar exam. It requires a strategic approach to career advancement and financial growth. Attorneys can increase their earnings by focusing on several key factors. These factors not only enhance professional skills but also open up opportunities for higher compensation.

First, specialization in a niche area of law can lead to higher earnings. Specialization allows attorneys to become experts in a particular field, making them more valuable to clients. Second, gaining experience and building a strong reputation can lead to higher-paying positions. Experienced attorneys often command higher fees and can attract more high-profile clients. Third, networking and building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals and new opportunities. Fourth, continuing education and staying current with legal trends can improve an attorney's marketability. Finally, taking on leadership roles within law firms or the legal community can result in higher salaries and bonuses.

Attorneys who focus on these areas can significantly increase their earning potential. Specialization, experience, networking, education, and leadership all play crucial roles in achieving financial success in the legal field.

  • Specialization in a niche area of law
  • Gaining experience and building a strong reputation
  • Networking and building professional relationships
  • Continuing education and staying current with legal trends
  • Taking on leadership roles within law firms or the legal community

Currently 2,189 Attorney job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Attorney in the US?

Learn what a Attorney does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Attorney today.
Position
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Attorney
2,189 Job Openings