How much does a Lawyer make in the United States?
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The average Lawyer salary in the United States is $171,856 as of September 25, 2023. The range for our most popular Lawyer positions (listed below) typically falls between $88,793 and $254,919. Keep in mind that salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including position, education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
Lawyer's Annual Base Salary
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Attorney II | $137,123 | $65.92 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
| Attorney III | $168,838 | $81.17 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
| Attorney IV | $189,855 | $91.28 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
| Attorney V | $213,126 | $102.46 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
| Attorney VI | $224,268 | $107.82 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
| Attorney I | $104,153 | $50.07 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
| Real Estate Attorney | $161,920 | $77.85 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
| Judge/Magistrate | $178,669 | $85.90 | United States | September 25, 2023 |
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Provides legal advice and counsel to an organization in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. As needed, represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May coordinate with outside counsel to address issues requiring specialized legal input. Requires a JD. Requires admittance to a State Bar. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. View Attorney II SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Lawyer II, Attorney IICategory : Legal Services
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Provides legal advice and counsel to an organization in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. As needed, represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May coordinate with outside counsel to address issues requiring specialized legal input. Requires a JD. Requires admittance to a State Bar. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. View Attorney III SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Lawyer III, Attorney IIICategory : Legal Services
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Provides legal advice and counsel to an organization in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. As needed, represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May coordinate with outside counsel to address issues requiring specialized legal input. Requires a JD. Requires admittance to a State Bar. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. View Attorney IV SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Lawyer IV, Attorney IVCategory : Legal Services
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Provides legal advice and counsel to an organization in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. As needed, represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May coordinate with outside counsel to address issues requiring specialized legal input. Requires a JD. Requires admittance to a State Bar. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. View Attorney V SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Lawyer V, Attorney VCategory : Legal Services
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Provides legal advice and counsel to an organization in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. As needed, represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May coordinate with outside counsel to address issues requiring specialized legal input. Requires a JD. Requires admittance to a State Bar. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization. View Attorney VI SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Lawyer VI, Attorney VICategory : Legal Services
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Provides legal advice and counsel to an organization in support of business activities and transactions. Researches and interprets existing laws and regulations and anticipated changes to laws to guide informed decisions and reduce risk. Prepares and reviews various agreements, contracts, and other legal documents. As needed, represents the organization in litigation, negotiations, and other matters where legal counsel is required. May coordinate with outside counsel to address issues requiring specialized legal input. Requires a JD. Requires admittance to a State Bar. Typically reports to a manager or head of a unit/department. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. View Attorney I SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Attorney, Entry, Lawyer I, Attorney I
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Handles all real estate related legal issues, including transfers of titles and deeds, construction, mortgage concerns, and zoning. Provides legal advice to an organization, prepares resolutions and forms, and participates in major legal actions. Requires a Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school. Requires admittance to a state bar. Typically reports to the top legal executive/general counsel. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2 -4 years of related experience. View Real Estate Attorney SalaryAlternate Job Titles:Real Estate and Contracts Attorney, Real Estate Lawyer, Real Estate Attorney
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Oversees legal process and ensures that court rules and proceedings are adhered to. Upholds laws. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school. Most states require prior experience as a lawyer. View Judge/Magistrate Salary