As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lawyer V in the United States is $253,190 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $122.
However, a Lawyer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lawyer V'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 V'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lawyer V | $248,394 |
| Intermediate Level Lawyer V | $249,283 |
| Senior Level Lawyer V | $249,638 |
| Specialist Level Lawyer V | $251,414 |
| Expert Level Lawyer V | $252,835 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.15% |
| Estate Planning | 2.8% |
| Microsoft Office | 2% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Organizing
|
$308,892 |
22%
|
|
Time Management
|
$291,169 |
15%
|
|
Case Management
|
$291,169 |
15%
|
|
Innovation
|
$288,637 |
14%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$286,105 |
13%
|
|
Data Privacy
|
$283,573 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lawyer Vs 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 V with a No Diploma is between $197,184 and $211,035).
Lawyer V Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 1.1% |
| Associates | 3.4% |
| Bachelors | 1.1% |
| Masters | 3.4% |
| Doctorate | 94.3% |
Understanding how a Lawyer V'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, 2026For a Lawyer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Lawyer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $292,800 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for a Lawyer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $182,020 in 2023 to around $164,058 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lawyer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $182,020 |
| 2024 | $171,966 |
| 2025 | $164,058 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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In summary, law school is challenging, often more so than regular colleges, due to the intense stress, heavy workload, and significant commitment required. However, with determination, many succeed, as evidenced by the 40,000 graduates annually. The effort can lead to lucrative careers, with salaries ranging from $194,490 to $240,290, making it a worthwhile pursuit.
Lawyers are generally well paid, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $194,490 to a maximum of $240,290. In California, cities like San Jose and San Francisco offer even higher salaries, with averages around $267,840 and $239,330, respectively. Overall, the mean salary for lawyers in California is approximately $201,530 per year.
The highest-paid lawyer in the U.S. typically earns between $194,490 and $240,290 annually, with a mid-salary of $217,990. While specific names may vary, top earners often excel in high-stakes litigation or corporate law, achieving significant financial success through landmark cases and high-profile clients.
Yes, lawyers typically earn well over $100,000. Based on recent salary data, the minimum salary for lawyers is $194,490, with a mid-range salary of $217,990 and a maximum salary of $240,290. This indicates that lawyers generally enjoy lucrative compensation, especially in high-paying states like California and Massachusetts.
The highest-paid types of lawyers often include those specializing in corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These fields typically offer salaries ranging from a minimum of $194,490 to a mid-range of $217,990, with top earners reaching up to $240,290, reflecting the complexity and demand in these areas.
The best type of lawyer often depends on individual needs, but high-paying specialties include civil litigation, real estate, intellectual property, bankruptcy, family, tax, corporate, and patent law. Salaries for lawyers can range from a minimum of $194,490 to a mid-range of $217,990, reaching up to a maximum of $240,290, reflecting the demand and expertise in these fields.
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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