Lawyers are a necessary part of our society. Without them, many potentially dangerous legal situations would go unresolved. What’s more, they enjoy some of the highest salaries in the profession. But how much do lawyers make in every state? Let’s take a look and find out. ###
How Much Do Lawyers Make In Every State?
When it comes to earning an income, lawyers have a lot in common. The average salary for attorneys is about $160,000 per year. But the range of salaries for attorneys is wide, from just over $100,000 in Wyoming to more than $330,000 in Massachusetts. The factors that influence salary are experience and location.
Salaries vary according to the state in which a lawyer practices. The average salary for lawyers who practice in the Northeast is higher than the average salary for lawyers who practice in the South or West. Location also has a significant impact on salary. Lawyers with more experience and prestigious law firms typically earn more than lawyers at smaller firms or those practicing in non-progressive areas. However, no matter where they practice, all lawyers receive comprehensive benefits such as retirement plans and health insurance.
The 10 Highest-Paying States for Lawyers
There is no definitive answer to this question as wages vary greatly from state to state, depending on location and the size of the legal market. However, Law360 compiled data from various sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics and The National Association for Law Placement, to create a list of the 10 highest-paying states for lawyers. The figures below were based on median annual salaries as of May 2016.
The ten states with the highest median annual lawyer salary are:
1. California ($187,590)
2. New York ($186,130)
3. Texas ($183,510)
4. Florida ($182,990)
5. Illinois ($181,190)
6. Pennsylvania ($180,810)
7. Maryland ($179,960)
8. Ohio ($178,640)
9. District of Columbia ($177,380)
10. Utah ($176,290).
The 10 Lowest-Paying States for Lawyers
According to a report by The Daily Beast, lawyers in the 10 lowest-paying states make an average of $49,000 per year. The report used data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and National Center for Education Statistics to compile its list. Alaska was the lowest-paying state for lawyers, with an annual salary of $46,120. Mississippi was second-lowest, with an average salary of $47,280.
Wyoming was third-lowest, with an annual salary of $48,640. Hawaii was fourth-lowest, with an annual salary of $50,160. Louisiana was fifth-lowest at $51,360. South Dakota was sixth-lowest at $52,880. Arkansas was seventh-lowest at $53,440. Oklahoma was eighth-lowest at $54,120. North Carolina was ninth-lowest at $54,760. Florida tenth lowest with an annual salary of $55,400
The 10 Most Concentrated Cities for Lawyers
The 10 Most Concentrated Cities for Lawyers
According to a report from the National Law Journal, the 10 most concentrated cities for lawyers are:
1. Boston, MA
2. New York City, NY
3. Washington, D.C.
4. Los Angeles, CA
5. Philadelphia, PA
6. San Francisco, CA
7. Seattle, WA
8. Chicago, IL
9. Irvine, CA
10. Atlanta, GA
The Best and Worst Cities for Lawyers
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers in the United States make an average of $116,000 a year. In order to find the best cities for lawyers, we took into account not only median annual salaries but also other factors such as cost of living, percentage of lawyers in the workforce, and job satisfaction. Here are the five best cities for lawyers:
1. Seattle, Washington
Seattle is known for its vibrant legal community and strong economy. Not only does this city have one of the lowest cost of living rates in the country, but it also has a high percentage of lawyers in the workforce (30%). Job satisfaction levels are also high in Seattle, with nearly three-quarters of attorneys reporting they are satisfied with their work.
2. Boston, Massachusetts
Boston is another great city for lawyers thanks to its rich history and culture. The city has one of the highest concentrations of attorneys per capita in the country, making it easy to find employment. Additionally, Boston is a great place to live – with excellent public transportation and a low cost of food and housing combined with a high percentage of employed lawyers – making it an ideal place to raise a family.
3. Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known as one of America’s top business hubs due to its extensive roster of Fortune 500 companies located within its city limits. However, Chicago is also home to one of America’s largest legal communities
Conclusion
There is no one answer to this question, as the average salary for lawyers in every state varies widely. However, the general trend is that lawyers earn a good salary – whether they are working in large cities or small towns. If you’re interested in finding out how much lawyers make in your state, you can use our handy lawyer salary calculator below.
