As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Staff Attorney in the United States is $193,568 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $93.
However, a Staff Attorney's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Staff Attorney'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 Staff Attorney'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 |
|---|---|
| Attorney ... Level Staff Attorney | $102,329 |
| Attorney ... Level Staff Attorney | $135,860 |
| Staff Att... Level Staff Attorney | $191,991 |
| Attorney ... Level Staff Attorney | $218,595 |
| Attorney ... Level Staff Attorney | $259,472 |
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 Staff Attorneys. 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
|
$222,603 |
15%
|
|
Intellectual Property
|
$205,182 |
6%
|
|
Innovation
|
$203,246 |
5%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$203,246 |
5%
|
|
Hard Working
|
$201,311 |
4%
|
|
Collaboration
|
$201,311 |
4%
|
For Staff Attorney 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, Staff Attorney positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Staff Attorney as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $251,638 | $121.0 | 30% |
| Financial Services | $241,960 | $116.0 | 25% |
| Software & Networking | $241,960 | $116.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $232,282 | $112.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $222,603 | $107.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Staff Attorneys 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 a Staff Attorney with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $166,120 and $178,270).
Staff Attorney 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 a Staff Attorney'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, 2026Salaries for a Staff Attorney can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $175,879 in 2023 to around $160,331 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Staff Attorney salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $175,879 |
| 2024 | $169,365 |
| 2025 | $160,331 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Staff Attorney 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.)
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