As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Research Attorney in the United States is $136,320 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Research Attorney's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Research 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 Research 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 Research Attorney | $101,671 |
| Research ... Level Research Attorney | $134,974 |
| Attorney ... Level Research Attorney | $190,675 |
| Attorney ... Level Research Attorney | $217,095 |
| Attorney ... Level Research Attorney | $257,648 |
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 Research Attorneys. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 5.45% |
| Bankruptcy | 2.27% |
| Microsoft Office | 2.04% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Blockchain
|
$147,226 |
8%
|
|
Innovation
|
$143,136 |
5%
|
|
Negotiating
|
$141,773 |
4%
|
|
Employment Law
|
$141,773 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$141,773 |
4%
|
|
Legal Advice
|
$140,410 |
3%
|
For Research 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 Software & Networking and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Research Attorney positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Research Attorney as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $190,848 | $92.0 | 40% |
| Biotechnology | $177,216 | $85.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $170,400 | $82.0 | 25% |
| Healthcare | $163,584 | $79.0 | 20% |
| Insurance | $156,768 | $75.0 | 15% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Research 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 Research Attorney with a JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent is between $131,849 and $143,814).
Research Attorney Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 0.2% |
| Bachelors | 0.9% |
| Masters | 2.0% |
| Doctorate | 96.4% |
Understanding how a Research 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Research Attorney can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $153,806 in 2023 to around $147,373 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Research Attorney salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $153,806 |
| 2024 | $152,106 |
| 2025 | $147,373 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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