SalaryNode

Average Lawyers Salary in Bellingham, WA

Lawyers in Bellingham, WA, can expect an average annual salary of $128,610, which is notably below the national average of $194,940. This disparity is often influenced by the specific economic landscape and demand for legal services within a particular region, impacting compensation levels for legal professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $128,610 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 39.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $192,130.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 220 legal professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.5, Bellingham presents a less concentrated market for lawyers compared to the national average. This suggests a moderate demand for legal expertise, indicating a stable yet potentially less competitive job market for those entering or established in the area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$128,610

The average Lawyers in Bellingham, WA earns-34.0%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$61.8

Weekly

$2,473

Monthly

$10,718

Lawyers Salary Distribution in Bellingham, WA

The career trajectory for lawyers in Bellingham, much like elsewhere, typically involves significant salary increases with experience. Entry-level positions might start at a lower percentile, while seasoned attorneys with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their value and contribution to law firms or their independent practices.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$79,100$38
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$96,458$46.4
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$124,200$59.7
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$160,763$77.3
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$192,130$92.4

Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$128,610

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$128,610

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average lawyer salary in Bellingham, WA, stands at $128,610, aligning precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of a lawyer's income in Bellingham is equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the nominal salary offers a standard of living comparable to the rest of the country.

Job Market Context

220

Total Jobs

2.43

Per 1K Jobs

0.5

Location Quotient

Below Average

Bellingham, WA has 0.50x the national average concentration of Lawyers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.5 indicates that lawyers are less concentrated in Bellingham, WA, than the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present, it is not a dominant sector, potentially offering unique opportunities for skilled legal professionals who can fill specific niches or cater to underserved areas within the local legal community.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Lawyers

CitySalaryDist.
Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA Lawyers Salary$115,180↓ 10%24 mi
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Lawyers Salary$183,840↑ 43%80 mi
Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Lawyers Salary$141,370↑ 10%84 mi

Comparing salaries near Bellingham, WA

Hiring Lawyerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyers make in Bellingham, WA?

The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Bellingham, WA is $128,610. This typically ranges from $79,100 for entry-level positions to $192,130 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Bellingham, WA is 34.0% lower than the national median of $194,940.

Is Bellingham, WA a lucrative place for Lawyers?

No, not when compared to the national average.Lawyers in Bellingham earn an average of $128,610, significantly less than the national average of $194,940. However, the cost of living is at the national average, meaning the salary's purchasing power is standard.

Is Bellingham, WA a good place to live for Lawyers?

The Cost of Living Index in Bellingham, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Bellingham, WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Mount Vernon-Anacortes, WA ($115,180) and Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA.

What is the average salary for a Lawyer in Bellingham, WA?

The average annual salary for Lawyers in Bellingham, WA, is $128,610.

How does Bellingham's lawyer salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for Lawyers in Bellingham ($128,610) is considerably lower than the national average ($194,940).

What is the concentration of Lawyers in Bellingham, WA?

The concentration of Lawyers in Bellingham, WA, is indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.5, meaning it is half as concentrated as the national average.

How does the cost of living in Bellingham affect a Lawyer's salary?

Bellingham's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the average lawyer salary of $128,610 in Bellingham offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Bellingham, WA area with a job density of 2.43 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Bellingham, WA