As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lawyer IV in the United States is $213,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $103.
However, a Lawyer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lawyer IV'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 IV'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 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 |
| Lawyer VI | 10-12 years | $293,450 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.14% |
| Estate Planning | 2.78% |
| Blockchain | 2.28% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Cost Control
|
$286,358 |
34%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$243,618 |
14%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$232,933 |
9%
|
|
Legal Advice
|
$228,659 |
7%
|
|
Leadership
|
$228,659 |
7%
|
|
Innovation
|
$226,522 |
6%
|
Lawyer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $239,225. While startup companies pay approximate $202,379.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $202,379 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $214,039 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $231,014 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $239,225 |
For Lawyer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 26% above the average. In contrast, Lawyer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lawyer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $269,262 | $129.0 | 26% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $269,262 | $129.0 | 26% |
| Energy & Utilities | $258,577 | $124.0 | 21% |
| Software & Networking | $258,577 | $124.0 | 21% |
| Internet | $247,892 | $119.0 | 16% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lawyer IVs enter the field with a No Diploma 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 IV with a No Diploma is between $176,185 and $189,400).
Lawyer IV Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 100.0% |
| High School | 0.0% |
| Associates | 0.0% |
| Bachelors | 0.0% |
| Masters | 0.0% |
| Doctorate | 100.0% |
Understanding how a Lawyer IV'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, 2026For a Lawyer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lawyer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $253,690 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for a Lawyer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $174,547 in 2023 to around $169,646 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lawyer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $174,547 |
| 2024 | $173,200 |
| 2025 | $169,646 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Lawyer IV roles, with salaries approximately 26% above the market median.
The highest-paid lawyers often specialize in corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These fields typically offer salaries ranging from a minimum of $168,300 to a maximum of $213,700, with a mid-salary of $191,900, reflecting the complexity and financial stakes involved in these areas.
The highest-paid type of lawyer is often the Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyer, with salaries ranging from $168,300 to $213,700. Their specialized knowledge in distinct fields commands high compensation. Other well-paying roles include Tax Attorneys, Trial Attorneys, and Patent Attorneys, with mid-salaries around $191,900 reflecting the complexity and demand in these areas.
Lawyers typically earn between $168,300 and $213,700 annually, with a median salary of $191,900. While some lawyers may earn around $200,000, it largely depends on their location and experience. Major cities often offer higher salaries, but the average range indicates that not all lawyers reach that figure.
To achieve a salary of $500k a year, a lawyer can focus on several strategies. They should create a strong SEO strategy, build a professional law firm website, and write engaging content. Additionally, starting a PPC campaign, registering in relevant directories, and managing their reputation effectively can significantly enhance their earning potential, especially when current salaries range from $168,300 to $213,700.
Lawyers in California earn competitive salaries, with a minimum salary of $168,300, a mid-range salary of $191,900, and a maximum salary of $213,700. This range reflects the diverse experience levels and specializations within the legal profession, similar to the varied earnings seen among medical professionals in the state.
In the legal industry, the lowest paid lawyers often include public defenders, legal aid attorneys, and those in nonprofit organizations. Based on salary data, the minimum salary for lawyers is approximately $168,300. This highlights the financial challenges faced by those in these roles, despite the overall higher salary range in the profession.
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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