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Average Lawyers Salary in Madison, WI

Lawyers in Madison, WI, earn an average annual salary of $144,640, 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 the region, as well as the concentration of legal professionals relative to other metropolitan areas.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $144,640 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 20.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $230,160.
  • Outlook: Madison, WI, hosts a local workforce of 1,920 lawyers, with a location quotient of 0.98, indicating a market that closely mirrors the national average in terms of concentration. The presence of 4.74 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for legal expertise within the city.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$144,640

The average Lawyers in Madison, WI earns-25.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$69.5

Weekly

$2,782

Monthly

$12,053

Lawyers Salary Distribution in Madison, WI

The salary spectrum for lawyers in Madison, WI, significantly widens with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries well into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps are crucial indicators of career progression and earning potential within the legal field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$65,080$31.3
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$108,480$52.2
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$114,420$55
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$180,800$86.9
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$230,160$110.7

Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$144,640

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$144,640

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $144,640 and a Cost of Living Index of 100 (on par with the national average), lawyers relocating to Madison, WI, can expect their nominal income to translate directly to purchasing power. This means the local cost of goods and services aligns with the national standard, making the stated salary a reliable benchmark for financial planning.

Job Market Context

1,920

Total Jobs

4.74

Per 1K Jobs

0.98

Location Quotient

Below Average

Madison, WI has 0.98x 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.

The location quotient of 0.98 for lawyers in Madison, WI, signifies a job market that is almost perfectly aligned with the national average in terms of concentration. This suggests a balanced competitive landscape where the number of legal professionals is neither excessively high nor unusually low compared to the general workforce, indicating a steady demand for legal services.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Lawyers

CitySalaryDist.
Janesville-Beloit, WI Lawyers Salary$129,790↓ 10%33 mi
Rockford, IL Lawyers Salary$120,310↓ 17%59 mi
Fond du Lac, WI Lawyers Salary$124,240↓ 14%68 mi
Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Lawyers Salary$180,180↑ 25%72 mi
Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Lawyers Salary$146,260↑ 1%77 mi

Comparing salaries near Madison, WI

Hiring Lawyerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyers make in Madison, WI?

The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Madison, WI is $144,640. This typically ranges from $65,080 for entry-level positions to $230,160 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 25.8% lower than the national median of $194,940.

Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Lawyerss?

No, it is not as lucrative as the national average.While the average salary of $144,640 is substantial, it falls below the national average of $194,940. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the purchasing power of the salary is standard.

Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Lawyers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($129,790) and Rockford, IL.

How does Madison, WI compare to the national average salary for lawyers?

The average salary for lawyers in Madison, WI, is $144,640, which is approximately 26% lower than the national average of $194,940.

What is the concentration of lawyers in Madison, WI?

Madison, WI has a location quotient of 0.98 for lawyers, indicating that the concentration of legal professionals is very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living in Madison, WI affect lawyer salaries?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, Madison, WI, matches the national average. This means the $144,640 salary offers standard purchasing power relative to the rest of the country.

What is the total number of lawyers employed in Madison, WI?

There are approximately 1,920 lawyers employed in Madison, WI, representing a significant portion of the local professional workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,920 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 4.74 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 Madison, WI