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Average Lawyers Salary in Pennsylvania

Lawyers in Pennsylvania earn an average annual salary of $155,050, which is notably below the national average of $194,940. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors specific to the state's legal market, including the concentration of legal professionals and the overall demand for legal services within Pennsylvania's economic landscape.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $155,050 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $232,575.
  • Outlook: With a total local workforce of 26,340 legal professionals, Pennsylvania presents a substantial market for lawyers. The location quotient of 0.9 suggests a concentration that is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable yet not overly saturated job market. The rate of 4.38 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of consistent demand for legal expertise within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$155,050

The average Lawyers in Pennsylvania earns-20.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$74.5

Weekly

$2,982

Monthly

$12,921

Lawyers Salary Distribution in Pennsylvania

The career trajectory for lawyers in Pennsylvania typically involves significant salary growth from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data is unavailable, the expected progression sees junior associates earning considerably less than seasoned partners or lead counsel. The increasing salary figures at higher percentiles reflect the accumulation of experience, specialized knowledge, and demonstrated success in legal practice.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$62,520$30.1
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$116,288$55.9
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$127,940$61.5
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$193,813$93.2
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$232,575$111.8

Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$155,050

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$156,616

Adjusted for COL (99)

Pennsylvania's nominal average salary of $155,050 for lawyers aligns closely with the national average cost of living index of 99. This means that the purchasing power of a lawyer's salary in Pennsylvania is very similar to the national average, suggesting that the compensation is relatively well-balanced with the cost of goods and services within the state.

Job Market Context

26,340

Total Jobs

4.38

Per 1K Jobs

0.9

Location Quotient

Below Average

Pennsylvania has 0.90x 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 0.9 indicates that the concentration of lawyers in Pennsylvania is slightly less than the national average. This suggests that while the legal profession is well-established, the market is not disproportionately saturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals without facing extreme competition compared to national benchmarks.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Lawyers

CitySalaryDist.
Williamsport, PA Lawyers Salary$106,590↓ 31%9 mi
State College, PA Lawyers Salary$115,070↓ 26%45 mi
Elmira, NY Lawyers Salary$123,690↓ 20%65 mi
Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA Lawyers Salary$143,300↓ 8%66 mi
Lebanon, PA Lawyers Salary$121,090↓ 22%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Pennsylvania

Hiring Lawyerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyers make in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Pennsylvania is $155,050. This typically ranges from $62,520 for entry-level positions to $232,575 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Pennsylvania is 20.5% lower than the national median of $194,940.

Is Pennsylvania a lucrative place for Lawyerss?

No, not as lucrative as the national average.While lawyers in Pennsylvania earn a solid average salary of $155,050, it falls below the national average of $194,940. However, the cost of living is on par with the national average, making the salary's purchasing power comparable.

Is Pennsylvania a good place to live for Lawyers?

With a Cost of Living Index of 99 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.

Where are the highest paying cities near Pennsylvania?

Some top paying nearby cities include Williamsport, PA ($106,590) and State College, PA.

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

Lawyers in Pennsylvania earn an average of $155,050 annually, which is lower than the national average of $194,940.

What is the cost of living in Pennsylvania for lawyers?

The cost of living in Pennsylvania is indexed at 99, which is essentially the national average, meaning expenses are comparable to the rest of the country.

How concentrated is the lawyer job market in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania has a location quotient of 0.9 for lawyers, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.

How many jobs per 1,000 workers are available for lawyers in Pennsylvania?

There are approximately 4.38 jobs per 1,000 workers for lawyers in Pennsylvania, reflecting consistent demand for legal professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 26,340 employees in the Pennsylvania area with a job density of 4.38 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 Pennsylvania