How much does a Attorney make?
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.
What are the highest paying cities for a Attorney?

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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.
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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.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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What are the best companies a Attorney can work for?

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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



