How much does a Attorney make?
Attorneys play a crucial role in the legal system, and their work often comes with a rewarding salary. The average yearly salary for an attorney is around $119,324. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of law practiced. For instance, those with a few years of experience may earn closer to the lower end of the salary range, while seasoned attorneys can command higher salaries.
Here are some salary details based on experience levels:
- Entry-level attorneys earn around $60,000 per year.
- With a few years of experience, attorneys can expect to earn between $77,273 and $94,545 annually.
- Mid-career attorneys, with several years of experience, typically earn between $111,818 and $129,091 per year.
- Experienced attorneys, often in specialized fields or senior positions, can earn between $146,364 and $198,182 annually.
- Top-tier attorneys, such as those in high-demand specialties or leadership roles, can earn over $215,455 per year.
What are the highest paying cities for a Attorney?

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Vallejo, CA
Average Salary: $163,960
Vallejo offers a vibrant legal environment with a mix of corporate and public sector opportunities. Prominent firms like Solano County Legal Services provide a range of cases. The city's growing tech sector also creates unique legal challenges.
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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $163,459
San Francisco is a hub for legal professionals with many high-profile firms. Working here offers exposure to complex cases and diverse industries. Companies like Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe attract top talent.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $151,356
In Washington, DC, attorneys find a dynamic legal landscape with many government agencies. The city's political environment offers unique opportunities for those interested in public policy. Firms like WilmerHale and Hogan Lovells are prominent here.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $151,288
San Jose is a tech-driven city with a strong demand for legal expertise in the tech industry. Working here means dealing with cutting-edge issues in tech law. Companies like Cisco and VMware offer many legal opportunities.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $151,198
Los Angeles provides a diverse legal market with opportunities in entertainment, real estate, and corporate law. The city's entertainment industry creates unique legal challenges. Firms like Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher and O'Melveny & Myers are well-known.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $142,173
Sacramento offers a balanced legal environment with both government and private sector opportunities. Working here means engaging with state legislation and regulations. The city's political climate provides a unique legal landscape.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $139,999
San Diego provides a mix of corporate and government legal opportunities. The city's strong economy and defense industry create a demand for skilled attorneys. Firms like Holland & Knight and Fredrikson & Byron are prominent here.
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Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $139,465
Seattle offers a vibrant legal scene with a focus on technology and environmental law. The city's tech industry, including companies like Microsoft and Amazon, creates many legal opportunities. Working here means dealing with innovative legal issues.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $138,476
Minneapolis provides a balanced legal market with opportunities in finance, healthcare, and real estate. The city's diverse industries create a range of legal challenges. Firms like Dorsey & Whitney and Robins Kaplan are well-known.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $135,931
Anchorage offers a unique legal environment with a focus on natural resources and indigenous rights. The city's remote location creates specific legal challenges. Working here means dealing with a mix of corporate and public sector cases.
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What are the best companies a Attorney can work for?

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Zinda Law Group
Average Salary: $250,903
Zinda Law Group offers dynamic Attorney roles with competitive salaries. They operate in California, providing opportunities for those who want to work in a vibrant legal environment. Their focus on personal injury law makes them a top choice for many job seekers.
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County of Santa Clara
Average Salary: $232,332
The County of Santa Clara provides rewarding Attorney positions with a strong average salary. They are located in California and offer a variety of legal opportunities. This government role is ideal for those seeking stability and a chance to make a community impact.
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iLocatum
Average Salary: $219,553
iLocatum offers high-paying Attorney jobs with a focus on technology and innovation. They operate in multiple locations, providing a diverse work environment. Their commitment to excellence makes them a great choice for ambitious legal professionals.
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Bank of America
Average Salary: $214,613
Bank of America offers competitive salaries for Attorneys, with roles spread across the United States. They provide a dynamic work environment and opportunities for career growth. This financial giant is a top employer for those looking to combine law with finance.
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Trueline
Average Salary: $201,154
Trueline provides attractive salaries for Attorneys, focusing on technology and innovation. They operate in California and offer a modern work environment. This company is ideal for those who want to work in cutting-edge legal fields.
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Antonyan Miranda LLP
Average Salary: $197,500
Antonyan Miranda LLP offers well-paying Attorney positions, with a focus on personal injury law. They are located in California and provide a supportive work environment. This firm is a great choice for those seeking a strong community and professional growth.
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Illapa Search
Average Salary: $197,500
Illapa Search offers competitive salaries for Attorneys, with a focus on technology and innovation. They operate in multiple locations, providing a diverse and dynamic work environment. This firm is ideal for those who want to work in a fast-paced legal setting.
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Wade Law Group
Average Salary: $192,258
Wade Law Group provides rewarding Attorney roles with a strong average salary. They operate in California and offer a variety of legal opportunities. Their focus on personal injury law makes them a top choice for many job seekers.
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Law Offices of Jacob Emrani
Average Salary: $191,250
Law Offices of Jacob Emrani offers competitive salaries for Attorneys, with a focus on personal injury law. They are located in California and provide a supportive work environment. This firm is a great choice for those seeking a strong community and professional growth.
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State of Washington
Average Salary: $188,218
The State of Washington offers rewarding Attorney positions with a strong average salary. They provide a variety of legal opportunities across the state. This government role is ideal for those seeking stability and a chance to make a community impact.
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 build a career that not only fulfills but also pays well. Attorneys can increase their earnings by focusing on several key areas. These areas include specialization, experience, networking, continuing education, and location.
First, specialization can lead to higher earnings. Attorneys who focus on a specific area of law, such as corporate law, criminal law, or intellectual property, often command higher fees. Specialization allows attorneys to become experts in their field, making them more valuable to clients. Second, experience plays a crucial role. More experienced attorneys typically earn more. They have a proven track record and a reputation that can attract clients willing to pay a premium for their services. Third, networking helps attorneys find more opportunities. Building relationships with other professionals can lead to referrals and new clients. Fourth, continuing education keeps attorneys up-to-date with the latest laws and practices. This can make them more effective and attractive to clients. Finally, location matters. Attorneys in larger cities or areas with higher costs of living often earn more. These areas have more potential clients and higher demand for legal services.
By focusing on these factors, attorneys can increase their chances of earning more. Specialization, experience, networking, continuing education, and location are all important elements in building a successful and lucrative legal career.