Lawyer Salary in Pennsylvania
Lawyer pay in Pennsylvania, explained
Lawyers in Pennsylvania earn a median of $157,180 per year ($75.57 per hour), which is 2% below the national median of $159,670. Entry-level workers earn around $77,100, while the most experienced lawyers reach about $323,370. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within Pennsylvania.
Is $157,180 good pay in Pennsylvania?
Adjusted for Pennsylvania's cost of living (which runs 98% of the U.S. average), that $157,180 is worth about $161,091 in national buying power — ranking Pennsylvania #8 for real pay (vs #11 on the sticker number).
Lawyer pay by experience in Pennsylvania
Lawyer pay in neighboring states
| State | Median / yr | Real pay | vs PA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania (here) | $157,180 | $161,091 | — |
| New York | $207,860 | $192,604 | −$50,680 |
| Delaware | $173,510 | $173,844 | −$16,330 |
| New Jersey | $161,430 | $148,366 | −$4,250 |
| Maryland | $139,110 | $132,537 | +$18,070 |
| Ohio | $131,020 | $141,225 | +$26,160 |
| West Virginia | $102,420 | $114,440 | +$54,760 |
Lawyer in Pennsylvania: FAQ
How much do lawyers make in Pennsylvania?
Lawyers in Pennsylvania earn a median of $157,180 per year ($75.57 per hour), compared with $159,670 nationally.
Does Pennsylvania pay lawyers well?
At $157,180, Pennsylvania pays 2% below the national median for lawyers. An estimated 27,170 work in the state.