verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Lawyer Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$195,080/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$93.79/hr
▲ 22% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
95,770
public U.S. Median
$159,670
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$176,192 #3 of 51

Lawyer pay in California, explained

Lawyers in California earn a median of $195,080 per year ($93.79 per hour), which is 22% above the national median of $159,670. Entry-level workers earn around $97,950, while the most experienced lawyers reach about $369,180. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $195,080 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $195,080 is worth about $176,192 in national buying power — ranking California #3 for real pay (vs #3 on the sticker number).

See the full Lawyer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Lawyer pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$97,950
$47.09/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$195,080
$93.79/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$369,180
$177.49/hr

Lawyer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $195,080 $176,192
Nevada $150,510 $150,542 +$44,570
Oregon $138,210 $133,716 +$56,870
Arizona $134,260 $133,357 +$60,820

Lawyer in California: FAQ

How much do lawyers make in California?

Lawyers in California earn a median of $195,080 per year ($93.79 per hour), compared with $159,670 nationally.

Does California pay lawyers well?

At $195,080, California pays 22% above the national median for lawyers. An estimated 95,770 work in the state.

Lawyer salary in other states

All 51 states ranked arrow_forward

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