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Litigation Lawyer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Litigation Lawyer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Litigation Lawyer I in the United States is $94,130 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $45.

However, a Litigation Lawyer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,208
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $82,610 to $106,210
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $72,122

Key Factors That Influence Litigation Lawyer I Salaries

A Litigation 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Litigation Lawyer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Litigation 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:

  • Litigation Lawyer I (0-2 years): $94,127
  • Litigation Counsel II (2-4 years): $105,917
  • Litigation Counsel III (4-7 years): $142,573
  • Litigation Counsel IV (7+ years): $168,598
  • Litigation Counsel V (7-10 years): $201,828
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Litigation Lawyer I0-2 years$94,127
Litigation Counsel II2-4 years$105,917
Litigation Counsel III4-7 years$142,573
Litigation Counsel IV7+ years$168,598
Litigation Counsel V7-10 years$201,828

Top Paying Cities for Litigation Lawyer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $118,730
  • San Francisco: $117,430
  • Oakland: $114,950

Litigation Lawyer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Litigation Lawyer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $105,194. While startup companies pay approximate $88,984.

Litigation Lawyer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $88,984
Growth Stage 51~500 $94,109
Established 501~5000 $101,578
Enterprise 5000+ $105,194

Litigation Lawyer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Litigation Lawyer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Internet sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Litigation Lawyer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Litigation Lawyer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Litigation Lawyer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$122,369$59.030%
Internet$117,662$57.025%
Biotechnology$112,956$54.020%
Pharmaceuticals$112,956$54.020%
Healthcare$108,249$52.015%

Litigation Lawyer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Litigation 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 September 01, 2026
$82,610
Average $94,130/year
$106,210
$6,884
Average $7,844/month
$8,851
$1,589
Average $1,810/week
$2,043
$40
Average $45/hour
$51
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $106,210 $8,851 $2,043 $51
Average $94,130 $7,844 $1,810 $45
25th Percentile $82,610 $6,884 $1,589 $40

Litigation Lawyer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Litigation Lawyer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Litigation Counsel II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $106,000 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Litigation Lawyer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Litigation Lawyer I

Here are companies hiring for Litigation Lawyer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Litigation Lawyer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Litigation Lawyer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Litigation Lawyer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. Do litigators make good money?

Litigation lawyers generally earn competitive salaries, with a range from $78,630 to $112,680 annually. The average salary is around $94,200. Factors such as location, education, and experience significantly influence these figures. In particular, litigation attorneys in California tend to earn the highest salaries in the field.

3. What is the highest paying job in the world?

While the highest paying job can vary by industry and location, litigation lawyers often earn substantial salaries. Based on current data, a litigation lawyer's salary ranges from a minimum of $78,630 to a mid-level of $94,200, with the potential to earn up to $112,680. This reflects the significant financial rewards associated with legal expertise in litigation.

4. Is being a litigator worth it?

Being a litigator can be rewarding, both personally and financially. With salaries ranging from $78,630 to $112,680, it offers a solid income. However, it's not for everyone; some thrive in the competitive environment while others may struggle. Success often comes from either building your own client base or becoming essential to a busy attorney.

5. What field of law is most in demand?

Litigation law is currently in high demand, with salaries reflecting this trend. The minimum salary for a litigation lawyer is approximately $78,630, while the mid-range salary is around $94,200, and the maximum can reach up to $112,680. This indicates a robust market for legal professionals specializing in litigation.

6. Do lawyers make 300k a year?

Lawyers typically do not make $300,000 a year, especially in the litigation field. The salary data shows that litigation lawyers have a minimum salary of $78,630, a mid-range salary of $94,200, and a maximum salary of $112,680. While some specialized lawyers may earn higher, the average litigation lawyer's salary is significantly lower than $300,000.

7. Is 700k a good salary?

A salary of 700k is significantly higher than the typical salary range for a Litigation Lawyer, which is between 78,630 and 112,680. This indicates that 700k is an exceptional salary, well above the average and maximum for this profession, suggesting a highly lucrative position or additional responsibilities.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.

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