How Much Does a Law Firm Associate Make in California?

Updated April 01, 2025
As of April 01, 2025, the average annual pay of Law Firm Associate in California is $166,620. While Salary.com is seeing that Law Firm Associate salary in CA can go up to $194,006 or down to $128,624, but most earn between $146,732 and $180,955. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, and your experience levels. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
25% $146,732 10% $128,624 90% $194,006 75% $180,955 $166,620 50%(Median)
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Similar Job Salaries to Law Firm Associate by Company

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Company average base salary in (usd) range
Gomez Law, APC
Law Firm Family Law Associate
$89,193/yr
$79,994
$98,393
RANGE: $79,994 - $98,393
Adams & Martin Group
Senior Associate - Law Firm
$160,720/yr
$144,557
$176,884
RANGE: $144,557 - $176,884
Jobleads-US
Law Firm Associate Director
$229,956/yr
$200,631
$259,282
RANGE: $200,631 - $259,282
BD&J Injury Lawyers
Associate Attorney (Personal Injury Law Firm)
$160,247/yr
$143,841
$176,653
RANGE: $143,841 - $176,653
BD&J
Associate Attorney (Personal Injury Law Firm)
$160,247/yr
$143,841
$176,653
RANGE: $143,841 - $176,653
BD&J Injury Lawyers
Associate Attorney (Personal Injury Law Firm) - HYBRID
$170,252/yr
$152,908
$187,596
RANGE: $152,908 - $187,596
BD&J
Associate Attorney (Personal Injury Law Firm) - HYBRID
$170,252/yr
$152,908
$187,596
RANGE: $152,908 - $187,596
Jobleads-US
Orange County Litigation Associate - Top-Tier Law Firm
$124,025/yr
$110,689
$137,361
RANGE: $110,689 - $137,361
JS Abrams Law
Law Firm Case Manager
$100,574/yr
$90,877
$110,270
RANGE: $90,877 - $110,270
Salve.Inno Consulting
Law Firm Administrator
$197,069/yr
$177,040
$217,099
RANGE: $177,040 - $217,099

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Top 10 Highest Paying Cities For Law Firm Associate Jobs in California

It is important to understand how location impacts your career prospects in the United States. There are some cities where a Law Firm Associate can find a job easily with a greater salary paid then achieve a higher standard of living. Below is the top cities list for Law Firm Associate job salaries in California. Some cities can pay higher salaries for Law Firm Associate jobs, which can indicate that there is a large demand for Law Firm Associate positions in this city.
The following table shows top 10 cities where the Law Firm Associate salary is higher than other cities in California. San Jose takes first place in this list, followed by Santa Clara, Fremont. The Law Firm Associate salary is $190,533 in San Jose, which is higher than the national average. There are 76 cities' Law Firm Associate salary higher than national average in California.
The average salary for a Law Firm Associate in California is $166,620, but we found that the city with the highest salary for Law Firm Associate jobs is San Jose, CA, and it is higher than Santa Clara. Law Firm Associate jobs in San Jose can have the opportunity to earn higher salaries than in other cities in California.
CITY ANNUAL SALARY MONTHLY PAY WEEKLY PAY HOURLY WAGE
San Jose $190,533 $15,878 $3,664 $92
Santa Clara $190,533 $15,878 $3,664 $92
Fremont $190,171 $15,848 $3,657 $91
San Francisco $188,660 $15,722 $3,628 $91
Daly City $188,660 $15,722 $3,628 $91
Berkeley $184,476 $15,373 $3,548 $89
Oakland $184,476 $15,373 $3,548 $89
Hayward $184,174 $15,348 $3,542 $89
Antioch $174,053 $14,504 $3,347 $84
Vallejo $169,944 $14,162 $3,268 $82

What Does a Law Firm Associate Do?

Law firms are organized in a variety of ways, depending on the jurisdiction in which the firm practices.
Updated December 19, 2021
An associate may be a junior or senior attorney, but normally does not hold an ownership interest in the firm even if associated with the firm for many years.
Updated December 14, 2021
For instance, being good as a law firm associate might mean that an attorney has more work than other associates with little upside.
Updated November 16, 2021
They work with clients, administrative members of the law firm, such as paralegals, and are supervised by the managing partner of the law firm.
Updated November 06, 2021
Downtown Los Angeles boutique business law firm with litigation, transactional, and regulatory compliance practice seeking attorney…….
Updated November 02, 2021

Frequently Asked Questions About a Law Firm Associate Salaries

What is the average of a Law Firm Associate in California?

The Law Firm Associate salary range is from $146,732 to $180,955, and the average Law Firm Associate salary is $166,620/year in California. The Law Firm Associate's salary will change in different locations.

Which location pays the highest Law Firm Associate salary in the United States?

The Law Firm Associate salary in San Jose, CA is $190,533 which is the highest in the US.

What kinds of reasons will influence the Law Firm Associate's salary?

Besides the location, employees' education degree, related skills, and work experience also will influence the salary. Try to improve your skills and experience to get a higher salary for the position of Law Firm Associate.

What is the growth rate of the Law Firm Associate's salary?

If you are thinking of becoming a Law Firm Associate or planning the next step in your career, find the detailed salary report of a Law Firm Associate.