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Hourly Wage for Staff Attorney II Salary in the United States

What is the hourly salary range of Staff Attorney II?

As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Staff Attorney II in the United States is $70, which translates to an annual salary of about $145,294.

However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92 per hour
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $61 to $81 per hour
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $54 per hour
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Staff Attorney II Salaries

A Staff Attorney 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.

How Experience Level Affects Staff Attorney II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Staff Attorney 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $139,558
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $140,079
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $147,085
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $157,115
  • Expert (over 8 years): $157,831
Levels Salary
Entry Level Staff Attorney II$139,558
Intermediate Level Staff Attorney II$140,079
Senior Level Staff Attorney II$147,085
Specialist Level Staff Attorney II$157,115
Expert Level Staff Attorney II$157,831
View as Graph

How Do Staff Attorney IIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Staff Attorney IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $160,870.
  • California: $160,259.
  • Massachusetts: $158,123.

Top Paying Cities for Staff Attorney II

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: $183,259
  • San Francisco: $181,253
  • Oakland: $177,433

Staff Attorney II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Staff Attorney II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $162,648. While startup companies pay approximate $137,597.

Staff Attorney II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $137,597
Growth Stage 51~500 $145,525
Established 501~5000 $157,066
Enterprise 5000+ $162,648

Staff Attorney II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Staff Attorney II roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Staff Attorney positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Attorney II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Staff Attorney II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$174,353$84.020%

Staff Attorney II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Staff Attorney 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, 2026
$127,824
Average $145,294/year
$169,294
$10,652
Average $12,108/month
$14,108
$2,458
Average $2,794/week
$3,256
$61
Average $70/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $169,294 $14,108 $3,256 $81
Average $145,294 $12,108 $2,794 $70
25th Percentile $127,824 $10,652 $2,458 $61

Most common benefits for Staff Attorney II

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

Common company salaries for Staff Attorney II

Here are companies hiring for Staff Attorney II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Staff Attorney II

1. What are the responsibilities of Staff Attorney II?

Responsible for providing legal support to an organization. Conducts legal research and drafts legal documents like motions, briefs, contracts, and memoranda. May provide support to partners or senior attorneys, including assisting in the preparation for hearings, trials, and negotiations. Requires a JD. Requires admittance to a state bar. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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