As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Litigation Lawyer II in the United States is $105,940 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, a Litigation Lawyer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Litigation 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, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Litigation 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Litigation Counsel I | 0-2 years | $94,136 |
| Litigation Lawyer II | 2-4 years | $105,940 |
| Litigation Counsel III | 4-7 years | $142,585 |
| Litigation Counsel IV | 7+ years | $168,606 |
| Litigation Counsel V | 7-10 years | $201,821 |
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 Litigation Lawyer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Litigation Lawyer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $118,594. While startup companies pay approximate $100,327.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $100,327 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $106,108 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $114,523 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $118,594 |
For Litigation Lawyer II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Transportation and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Litigation Lawyer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Litigation Lawyer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $158,910 | $76.0 | 50% |
| Software & Networking | $153,613 | $74.0 | 45% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $148,316 | $71.0 | 40% |
| MFG Durable | $143,019 | $69.0 | 35% |
| Hospitality & Leisure | $137,722 | $66.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Litigation 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, 2026For a Litigation Lawyer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Litigation Counsel III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $142,600 - a projected growth of 35% over your current level.
Salaries for a Litigation Lawyer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $167,292 in 2023 to around $167,292 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Litigation Lawyer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $167,292 |
| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Litigation Lawyer II roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
Litigation law is currently in high demand, with salaries reflecting this trend. The minimum salary for a litigation lawyer is approximately $98,590, while the mid-range salary is around $115,320, and the maximum can reach up to $128,770. This indicates a robust market for legal professionals specializing in litigation.
Litigation lawyers are among the highest-paid legal professionals, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $98,590 to a mid-level of $115,320, and reaching up to $128,770. Other well-compensated specialties include intellectual property, corporate, and tax attorneys, reflecting the diverse opportunities within the legal field.
Based on recent salary data, litigation lawyers earn between $98,590 and $128,770, with a median salary of $115,320. This suggests that many lawyers, particularly those in high-demand areas, can earn competitive salaries that rival or exceed those of bankers, especially in certain markets.
Lawyers typically do not make $300,000 a year, as the average salary for a litigation lawyer ranges from $98,590 to $128,770, with a mid-salary of $115,320. While some lawyers in high-demand areas or with significant experience may earn more, the majority earn below this threshold.
The highest-paid lawyers often specialize in corporate law, intellectual property, tax law, medical malpractice, and entertainment law. These fields typically offer lucrative salaries, with litigation lawyers earning between $98,590 and $128,770, reflecting the complexity and financial stakes involved in their cases.
Yes, while top-earning lawyers can exceed $1 million annually, the average salary for a litigation lawyer ranges from $98,590 to $128,770. To reach a million-dollar income, you may need to explore additional revenue streams beyond your salary, especially if you're not a partner in a firm.
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