As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lawyer II in the United States is $132,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, a Lawyer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2026 Compensation Trend
AI Onboarding
AI-Powered HR
A Lawyer 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 a Lawyer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer I | 0-2 years | $100,044 |
| Lawyer II | 2-4 years | $132,820 |
| Lawyer III | 4-7 years | $187,664 |
| Lawyer IV | 7+ years | $213,667 |
| Lawyer V | 7-10 years | $253,602 |
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 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
|
$143,446 |
8%
|
|
Innovation
|
$139,461 |
5%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$138,133 |
4%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$138,133 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$138,133 |
4%
|
|
Legal Advice
|
$136,805 |
3%
|
Lawyer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $148,684. While startup companies pay approximate $125,783.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $125,783 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $133,031 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $143,581 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $148,684 |
For Lawyer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Lawyer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lawyer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $185,948 | $89.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $172,666 | $83.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $166,025 | $80.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $159,384 | $77.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $152,743 | $73.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lawyer 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 a Lawyer II with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $131,192 and $143,097).
Lawyer 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 a Lawyer 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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Lawyer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Lawyer III | $187,690 | 41% |
| Staff Lawyer III | $163,300 | 23% |
Salaries for a Lawyer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $151,354 in 2023 to around $145,023 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lawyer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $151,354 |
| 2024 | $149,681 |
| 2025 | $145,023 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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 Lawyer II and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lawyer 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.
The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Lawyer II roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The highest-paid lawyers in the U.S. typically earn between $117,440 and $161,070 annually, with a median salary of $139,410. While specific individuals may earn more, this range reflects the general compensation for legal professionals in the industry.
While the average salary for a lawyer is around $139,410, with a range from $117,440 to $161,070, it is possible for some experienced lawyers to earn over $250,000 annually, especially in high-demand areas or specialized fields. However, this is above the typical salary range for most lawyers.
Earning $700,000 a year is significantly above the average salary for a lawyer, which ranges from $117,440 to $161,070. This income would place you well into the top 1% nationwide, far exceeding the typical earnings in most regions, including the South and Midwest. However, in some high-cost areas, even this amount may not provide the same level of financial comfort.
Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers typically earn the highest salaries, with a range from $117,440 to $161,070, reflecting their specialized knowledge. Other high-paying roles include Tax Attorneys, Trial Attorneys, Medical Lawyers, Patent Attorneys, Corporate Lawyers, Real Estate Lawyers, and Family Lawyers, with mid-salaries around $139,410.
While many high-paying jobs exist, being a lawyer is among the top contenders. Lawyers typically earn a minimum salary of $117,440, with a mid-range salary of $139,410 and a maximum salary reaching $161,070. Their role involves providing legal advice, representing clients, and navigating complex legal systems, making it a lucrative career choice.
Lawyers typically earn a salary well above $100,000 annually. Based on recent data, the minimum salary for lawyers is approximately $117,440, with a mid-range salary of about $139,410 and a maximum salary reaching around $161,070. This indicates that a legal career can be quite lucrative, especially in high-paying states.
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:
