Lawyer Salary in California

How much does a Lawyer make in California?

Last updated: 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$197,790

Median Annual Salary

$254,170

Mean Salary

$197,790

Median Salary

$95.09

Hourly Rate

92,580 people work as Lawyer in California

About This Job: Lawyer

Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.

Top Skills

Active Listening

4.62

Speaking

4.62

Reading Comprehension

4.38

Critical Thinking

4.25

Complex Problem Solving

4.12

Key Knowledge Areas

Law and Government

4.72

English Language

4.49

Customer and Personal Service

3.88

Administration and Management

3.34

Personnel and Human Resources

3.27

Typical Education: First Professional Degree (67.8% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

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What does this salary really buy? See Lawyer salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

Lawyer Salary by State

Compare Lawyer pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyer make in California?

The median annual salary for a Lawyer in California is $197,790 as of 2024. The average (mean) salary is $254,170.

What is the starting salary for a Lawyer in California?

Entry-level Lawyer positions in California typically start around $101,070 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $131,030 (25th percentile).

How many people work as Lawyer in California?

According to 2024 BLS data, approximately 92,580 people are employed as Lawyer in California.

What is the hourly rate for a Lawyer in California?

Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Lawyer in California is approximately $95.09 per hour.

Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2024 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS