As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Attorney II in the United States is $132,835 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, an Attorney II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered Talent
Recruit with AI
An Attorney II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Attorney II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney I | 0-2 years | $100,085 |
| Attorney II | 2-4 years | $132,835 |
| Attorney III | 4-7 years | $187,465 |
| Attorney IV | 7+ years | $213,433 |
| Attorney V | 7-10 years | $253,179 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Attorney IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.45% |
| Bankruptcy | 2.27% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.04% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Blockchain
|
$143,462 |
8%
|
|
Innovation
|
$139,477 |
5%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$138,148 |
4%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$138,148 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$138,148 |
4%
|
|
Legal Advice
|
$136,820 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Attorney IIs enter the field with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Attorney II with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $131,849 and $143,814).
Attorney II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 0.2% |
| Bachelors | 0.9% |
| Masters | 2.0% |
| Doctorate | 96.4% |
Understanding how an Attorney II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Attorney II, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney III | $187,465 | 41% |
| Staff Attorney III | $163,227 | 23% |
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Attorney II and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Attorney II job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
An Attorney II's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Attorney II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Attorney II is $167,545.
The highest pay for Attorney II is $166,772.
The lowest pay for Attorney II is $107,455.
Responsible for using specialized knowledge of national, state, and/or local laws to advise and represent clients and organizations in criminal or civil proceedings and other legal matters. Provides legal advice and counsel in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. Represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May have a billable hours requirement. Requires a JD. Requires State Bar membership. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
