As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Attorney III in the United States is $187,635 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $90.
However, an Attorney III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Attorney III'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 an Attorney III'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney I | 0-2 years | $100,050 |
| Attorney II | 2-4 years | $132,822 |
| Attorney III | 4-7 years | $187,635 |
| Attorney IV | 7+ years | $213,634 |
| Attorney V | 7-10 years | $253,541 |
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 Attorney IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Commitment | 5.95% |
| Case Management | 1.95% |
| Employment Law | 1.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Open Source
|
$215,780 |
15%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$198,893 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$197,017 |
5%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$197,017 |
5%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$195,140 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$195,140 |
4%
|
Attorney III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $209,868. While startup companies pay approximate $177,486.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $177,486 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $187,719 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $202,668 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $209,868 |
For Attorney III 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 Pharmaceuticals and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Attorney positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Attorney III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $243,926 | $117.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $234,544 | $113.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $234,544 | $113.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $225,162 | $108.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $215,780 | $104.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Attorney IIIs 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 an Attorney III with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $166,120 and $178,270).
Attorney III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 0.3% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 0.7% |
| Masters | 3.1% |
| Doctorate | 95.6% |
Understanding how an Attorney III'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 July 01, 2026For an Attorney III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Attorney IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $213,634 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Salaries for an Attorney III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $171,942 in 2023 to around $156,741 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Attorney III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $171,942 |
| 2024 | $165,573 |
| 2025 | $156,741 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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An Attorney III's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Attorney III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Attorney III is $236,664.
The highest pay for Attorney III is $227,006.
The lowest pay for Attorney III is $160,316.
Responsible for using specialized knowledge of national, state, and/or local laws to advise and represent clients and organizations in criminal or civil proceedings and other legal matters. Provides legal advice and counsel in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. Represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May have a billable hours requirement. Requires a JD. Requires State Bar membership. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Attorney III roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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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