As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Estate Planning Attorney in the United States is $156,866 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $75.
However, an Estate Planning Attorney's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Estate Planning 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 an Estate Planning 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Estate Planning Attorney | $150,742 |
| Intermediate Level Estate Planning Attorney | $151,205 |
| Senior Level Estate Planning Attorney | $155,835 |
| Specialist Level Estate Planning Attorney | $160,988 |
| Expert Level Estate Planning Attorney | $163,049 |
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 Estate Planning Attorneys. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 26.42% |
| Client Service | 1.1% |
| Client Relationship | 0.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$167,847 |
7%
|
|
Tax Planning
|
$166,278 |
6%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$164,709 |
5%
|
|
Client Relationship
|
$164,709 |
5%
|
|
CPA
|
$164,709 |
5%
|
|
Real Estate Development
|
$164,709 |
5%
|
For Estate Planning Attorney roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Estate Planning Attorney positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Estate Planning Attorney as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $219,612 | $106.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $203,926 | $98.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $196,082 | $94.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $188,239 | $90.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $172,553 | $83.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Estate Planning 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 an Estate Planning Attorney with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $159,855 and $170,742).
Estate Planning Attorney Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 1.4% |
| Associates | 0.3% |
| Bachelors | 4.1% |
| Masters | 5.4% |
| Doctorate | 88.2% |
Understanding how an Estate Planning 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Estate Planning Attorney can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $148,685 in 2023 to around $138,534 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Estate Planning Attorney salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $148,685 |
| 2024 | $144,029 |
| 2025 | $138,534 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Estate Planning Attorney roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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