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Lawyers Salary in California
Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:
How much do Lawyers make in California?
Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics
$195,080
Median Annual Salary
▼
-1.4% vs 2024
$230,040
Mean Salary
$195,080
Median Salary
$93.79
Hourly Rate
95,770 people work as Lawyers in California
Lawyers salary by percentile in California
BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).
Lawyers in California earn a median salary of $195,080 per year ($16,256/month).
This is 44.8% above the national average of $134,712.
California ranks #3 out of 51 states for Lawyers pay.
Approximately 95,770 people work in this occupation across California.
Salaries decreased by 1.4% compared to 2024.
About This Job: Lawyers
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)
Salaries for Lawyers in California range from $97,950 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $369,180 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $131,120 and $277,140.
The median annual salary for Lawyers in California is $195,080 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $230,040.
What is the salary range for a Lawyers in California?
Salaries for Lawyers in California range from $97,950 at the 10th percentile to $369,180 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $131,120 and $277,140.
What is the starting salary for a Lawyers in California?
Entry-level Lawyers positions in California typically start around $97,950 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $131,120 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Lawyers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 95,770 people are employed as Lawyers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Lawyers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Lawyers in California is approximately $93.79 per hour.
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 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.
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