As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lawyer I in the United States is $100,090 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
However, a Lawyer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lawyer I'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 a Lawyer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer I | 0-2 years | $100,085 |
| Lawyer II | 2-4 years | $132,835 |
| Lawyer III | 4-7 years | $187,465 |
| Lawyer IV | 7+ years | $213,433 |
| Lawyer 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 Lawyer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.65% |
| Estate Planning | 2.37% |
| Employment Law | 1.49% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Legal Advice
|
$105,095 |
5%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$104,094 |
4%
|
|
Due Diligence
|
$103,093 |
3%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$103,093 |
3%
|
|
Analysis
|
$103,093 |
3%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$103,093 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lawyer Is 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 a Lawyer I with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $100,641 and $109,359).
Lawyer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 0.1% |
| Bachelors | 1.8% |
| Masters | 2.9% |
| Doctorate | 94.6% |
Understanding how a Lawyer I'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 a Lawyer I, 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer II | $132,840 | 33% |
| Staff Lawyer II | $145,300 | 45% |
Salaries for a Lawyer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $113,170 in 2023 to around $109,201 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lawyer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $113,170 |
| 2024 | $112,737 |
| 2025 | $109,201 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Lawyer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The states that pay lawyers the highest mean salaries include the District of Columbia, California, Delaware, New York, and Connecticut. However, based on the provided salary data, lawyers can expect a minimum salary of $89,490, a mid-range salary of $104,090, and a maximum salary of $120,590.
Lawyers in the USA earn between $89,490 and $120,590 annually, with a median salary of $104,090. This translates to a monthly pay range of approximately $7,457 to $10,049. The salary can vary significantly based on experience, location, and specialization within the legal field.
Although most lawyers have a regular 40-hour week, many work more. Lawyers at large firms often log around 66 hours weekly, while those in small to medium firms typically work between 42 to 54 hours. With salaries ranging from $89,490 to $120,590, the demanding hours reflect the commitment required in the legal profession.
Lawyers can earn substantial salaries, but reaching 7 figures is rare. Based on current data, the minimum salary for lawyers is approximately $89,490, with a mid-range salary of about $104,090 and a maximum of around $120,590. While some top lawyers may earn significantly more, only a small percentage achieve 7-figure incomes.
In summary, law school is challenging, often more so than regular colleges, due to its intense stress, heavy workload, and high commitment levels. However, with dedication, many succeed; around 40,000 graduates emerge annually. The effort can lead to a rewarding career, with salaries ranging from $89,490 to $120,590, reflecting the value of this demanding education.
Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers are among the highest-paid, with salaries ranging from $89,490 to $120,590, reflecting their specialized knowledge. Other lucrative fields include Tax Attorneys, Trial Attorneys, Medical Lawyers, Patent Attorneys, Corporate Lawyers, Real Estate Lawyers, and Family Lawyers, all of which command competitive salaries within this range.
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.)
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