How much does a Attorney make?
Attorneys play a crucial role in the legal system, often earning a substantial income. They can expect to make an average yearly salary of $120,859. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the type of law they practice. For instance, those in larger cities or specialized fields may earn more.
The salary range for attorneys is quite broad. At the lower end, the bottom 10% earn around $59,125. As attorneys gain more experience, their earnings increase. The top 10% of attorneys can earn over $250,000 per year. This wide range reflects the diverse opportunities and potential for growth in the legal profession.
What are the highest paying cities for a Attorney?

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San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $166,482
In San Francisco, legal professionals often work with tech giants like Google and Apple. The city's dynamic environment offers diverse cases and a competitive salary.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $164,868
San Jose is home to many tech companies, making it a hub for tech law. Attorneys here handle cases involving patents, intellectual property, and employment.
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Los Angeles, CA
Average Salary: $154,167
Los Angeles offers a bustling legal scene with many entertainment industry cases. Attorneys here work with major studios and production companies.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $153,953
In Washington, DC, attorneys often work with government agencies and law firms. The city provides a strong focus on political and regulatory law.
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Santa Maria, CA
Average Salary: $147,358
Santa Maria offers a smaller, more community-focused legal environment. Attorneys here handle a variety of cases, from family law to criminal defense.
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Corpus Christi, TX
Average Salary: $144,475
Corpus Christi provides a mix of maritime, oil, and gas law cases. Attorneys here work with local businesses and large corporations.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $144,260
San Diego offers a vibrant legal market with a focus on maritime and defense law. The city's diverse industries provide a range of cases for attorneys.
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Sacramento, CA
Average Salary: $144,241
Sacramento, the state capital, offers a mix of government and private sector legal work. Attorneys here handle cases involving state law and regulations.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $143,183
Anchorage provides a unique legal environment with a focus on natural resources and environmental law. Attorneys here work with local businesses and government agencies.
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Minneapolis, MN
Average Salary: $142,166
Minneapolis offers a strong legal market with a focus on healthcare and insurance law. The city's diverse industries provide a range of cases for attorneys.
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What are the best companies a Attorney can work for?

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County of Santa Clara
Average Salary: $239,718
The County of Santa Clara offers rewarding Attorney positions. They provide opportunities in various legal areas, including civil, criminal, and environmental law. Their offices are located in Santa Clara County, California, offering a dynamic work environment.
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iLocatum
Average Salary: $214,106
iLocatum is a leading company in the legal tech industry. They offer Attorney jobs with a focus on intellectual property and technology law. Their offices are located in major tech hubs, providing a cutting-edge work environment.
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Bank of America
Average Salary: $205,219
Bank of America provides diverse Attorney roles, focusing on corporate, regulatory, and compliance law. They operate nationwide, offering opportunities in major financial centers across the U.S.
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Latitude
Average Salary: $191,551
Latitude is a global law firm that offers Attorney positions in various legal fields. They focus on providing high-quality legal services and have offices in key locations worldwide.
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Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC
Average Salary: $190,382
Thomas J. Henry Law, PLLC specializes in personal injury and civil litigation. They offer Attorney jobs with a focus on client advocacy and high-stakes cases. Their offices are located in Texas, providing a strong legal community.
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Jettison
Average Salary: $188,616
Jettison is a boutique law firm that offers Attorney positions in intellectual property and technology law. They focus on providing personalized legal services and have offices in Silicon Valley.
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Boutique Recruiting
Average Salary: $187,750
Boutique Recruiting offers Attorney jobs in various legal specialties, including corporate, litigation, and intellectual property. They focus on placing candidates in top law firms and have offices in major cities.
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USAA
Average Salary: $187,493
USAA provides Attorney positions in corporate, regulatory, and compliance law. They focus on serving military members and their families, offering a unique and supportive work environment.
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Wilson Elser
Average Salary: $183,129
Wilson Elser is a national law firm that offers Attorney jobs in litigation, intellectual property, and employment law. They focus on providing high-quality legal services and have offices in major cities across the U.S.
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Naval Nuclear Laboratory
Average Salary: $179,668
Naval Nuclear Laboratory offers Attorney positions in regulatory and compliance law. They focus on providing legal support for nuclear technology and have offices in key locations across the U.S.
How to earn more as a Attorney?
Becoming a successful attorney involves more than just a law degree. It requires strategic planning and dedication to professional growth. Attorneys can increase their earnings by focusing on several key factors. These factors not only enhance their skills but also make them more valuable in the job market.
First, consider specializing in a niche area of law. Specialization can lead to higher demand and better pay. For example, attorneys who specialize in intellectual property or environmental law often earn more than general practitioners. Second, gaining experience in different sectors can open up more opportunities. Working in both corporate and public sectors can provide a diverse skill set and a broader client base. Third, building a strong professional network can lead to referrals and higher-paying cases. Attending industry events and joining professional organizations can help in this regard. Fourth, obtaining additional certifications can boost an attorney's credibility and earning potential. Certifications in areas like mediation or tax law can set an attorney apart. Finally, investing in continuing education can keep skills sharp and up-to-date. This ongoing education can lead to promotions and higher salaries.
By focusing on these factors, attorneys can significantly increase their earning potential. Specialization, diverse experience, networking, certifications, and continuing education all play crucial roles in achieving higher income levels.
- Specialize in a niche area of law
- Gain experience in different sectors
- Build a strong professional network
- Obtain additional certifications
- Invest in continuing education



