Average Lawyers Salary in Birmingham, AL
Lawyers in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $159,520, which is below the national average of $194,940. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of factors including the local economic landscape, demand for legal services, and the overall cost of doing business within the region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $159,520 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $239,280.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,240 legal professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.89, Birmingham presents a moderately concentrated legal market. While not exceeding the national average in terms of professional density, the existing workforce indicates a stable demand for legal expertise within the city.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Birmingham, AL earns-18.2%below the national average.
$76.7
$3,068
$13,293
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that salaries for lawyers in Birmingham have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic shifts, evolving legal landscapes, and inflation typically contribute to a gradual upward trajectory in compensation for experienced professionals.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL
The salary range for lawyers in Birmingham, AL, significantly expands with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end, while seasoned attorneys with specialized expertise and a proven track record can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify the career progression and increased earning potential as one advances in the legal profession.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $69,200 | $33.3 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $119,640 | $57.5 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $152,240 | $73.2 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $199,400 | $95.9 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $239,280 | $115 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$159,520
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$159,520
Adjusted for COL (100)
Birmingham's Cost of Living Index stands at 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the nominal average salary of $159,520 for lawyers in Birmingham offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the salary is well-aligned with the local cost of living, suggesting financial stability for legal professionals residing in the area.
Job Market Context
2,240
Total Jobs
4.333
Per 1K Jobs
0.89
Location Quotient
Birmingham, AL has 0.89x 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 0.89 indicates that Birmingham has a slightly lower concentration of lawyers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the legal profession is established, the market may not be oversaturated, potentially offering opportunities for skilled legal professionals without facing intense competition found in more densely populated legal hubs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscaloosa, AL Lawyers Salary | $113,660↓ 29% | 47 mi |
| Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $115,970↓ 27% | 50 mi |
| Southeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $113,550↓ 29% | 50 mi |
| Northwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $95,140↓ 40% | 50 mi |
| Southwest Alabama nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary | $116,120↓ 27% | 50 mi |
Comparing salaries near Birmingham, AL
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Birmingham, AL?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Birmingham, AL is $159,520. This typically ranges from $69,200 for entry-level positions to $239,280 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 18.2% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Yes, Birmingham, AL offers a competitive salary for lawyers relative to its cost of living.The average lawyer salary of $159,520 aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This indicates good purchasing power for legal professionals in the city.
Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($113,660) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.
How does Birmingham's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Birmingham, AL earn an average of $159,520 annually, which is approximately $35,000 less than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Birmingham compared to the rest of the US?
Birmingham has a Location Quotient of 0.89 for lawyers, meaning the concentration is slightly below the national average.
How many lawyers are employed in Birmingham, AL?
There are approximately 2,240 lawyers employed in Birmingham, AL, representing 4.333 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local economy.
Does the cost of living affect the value of a lawyer's salary in Birmingham?
No, the cost of living in Birmingham is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $159,520 salary has average purchasing power.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,240 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 4.333 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Birmingham, AL