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Law Firm Intern Salary in California

How much does a Law Firm Intern make in California? As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Law Firm Intern in California is $74,949 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.

However, a Law Firm Intern's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $84,136
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $66,646 to $79,758
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,087
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Check out Law Firm Intern Job Openings in California

Key Factors That Influence Law Firm Intern Salaries

A Law Firm Intern'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Law Firm Intern Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Law Firm Intern'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,669
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $71,414
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $72,457
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $74,081
  • Expert (over 8 years): $75,416
Job RoleYears of ExperienceAverage Salary
Entry Level Law Firm Intern less than 1 year $70,669
Early Career Level Law Firm Intern 1-2 years $71,414
Mid-Level Level Law Firm Intern 2-4 years $72,457
Senior-Level Level Law Firm Intern 5-8 years $74,081
Expert Level Law Firm Intern over 8 years $75,416

How Do Law Firm Intern Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Law Firm Interns. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $75,234.
  • California: $74,949.
  • Massachusetts: $73,950.

Top Paying Cities for Law Firm Intern

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Los Angeles: $75,078
  • West Hollywood: $75,024
  • Dodgertown: $75,077

Law Firm Intern Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Law Firm Intern roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 30% above the average. Conversely, Law Firm Intern positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Law Firm Intern as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industry for a Law Firm Intern

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare $97,434 $47.0 30%

Law Firm Intern Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Law Firm Intern'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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$66,646
Average $74,949/year
$79,758
$5,554
Average $6,246/month
$6,646
$1,282
Average $1,441/week
$1,534
$32
Average $36/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $79,758 $6,646 $1,534 $38
Average $74,949 $6,246 $1,441 $36
25th Percentile $66,646 $5,554 $1,282 $32

Find Your Next Law Firm Intern Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Law Firm Intern job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

  • West Coast Trial Lawyers APLC | Los Angeles, CA

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    West Coast Trial Lawyers APLC | Los Angeles, CA

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  • Viper Staffing Services L.L.C. | Los Angeles, CA

    Law Firm Receptionists

    Viper Staffing Services L.L.C. | Los Angeles, CA

    (Hiring) Law Firm ReceptionistsWe are seeking Law Firm Receptionists to join our team. You will perform clerical and administrative functions in order to d... more

    5 Days Ago

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    Job Description. Job Description. California based plaintiff's side Employment Law Firm is seeking a Referral Coordinator for immediate hire. This position... more

    3 Days Ago

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    Law Firm Receptionist

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    5 Days Ago

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    Job Description. Job Description. Our Firm specializes in Business, Real Estate and Estate Planning. We have great clients, are a collaborative firm, and h... more

    1 Day Ago

  • Adams Broadwell Joseph & Cardozo | South San Francisco, CA

    Small Law Firm Administrator

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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