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Average Lawyers Salary in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Lawyers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $160,150. This figure is notably below the national average of $194,940, suggesting that while the region offers a stable legal job market, compensation may be influenced by local economic factors and demand dynamics specific to the Pacific Northwest.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $160,150 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 12.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $240,225.
  • Outlook: The Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro legal sector supports a substantial workforce of 5,600 professionals. With a Location Quotient of 0.95, the concentration of lawyers is nearly on par with the national average, indicating a robust and established market for legal services that is neither over-saturated nor significantly underserved.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$160,150

The average Lawyers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns-17.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$77

Weekly

$3,080

Monthly

$13,346

Lawyers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

The salary spectrum for lawyers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro widens considerably with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while seasoned legal professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting a clear career progression path.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$63,620$30.6
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$120,113$57.7
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$161,420$77.6
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$200,188$96.2
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$240,225$115.5

Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$160,150

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$160,150

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average lawyer salary of $160,150 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (100). This means that the purchasing power of a lawyer's income in this region is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain due to living expenses.

Job Market Context

5,600

Total Jobs

4.616

Per 1K Jobs

0.95

Location Quotient

Below Average

Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.95x 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 0.95 indicates that the density of lawyers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is very close to the national average. This suggests a competitive yet stable job market where demand for legal services is consistent with the size of the legal professional pool, offering good opportunities without extreme competition.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Lawyers

CitySalaryDist.
Salem, OR Lawyers Salary$158,570↓ 1%44 mi
Longview-Kelso, WA Lawyers Salary$127,150↓ 21%46 mi
Albany, OR Lawyers Salary$109,060↓ 32%65 mi
Corvallis, OR Lawyers Salary$137,060↓ 14%72 mi
Coast Oregon nonmetropolitan area Lawyers Salary$104,570↓ 35%72 mi

Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Hiring Lawyerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?

The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $160,150. This typically ranges from $63,620 for entry-level positions to $240,225 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 17.8% lower than the national median of $194,940.

Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Lawyerss?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $160,150 is below the national average, it is offset by a national average cost of living. The robust job market indicates consistent demand for legal professionals.

Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Lawyers?

The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($158,570) and Longview-Kelso, WA.

How does the Portland lawyer salary compare to the national average?

Lawyers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro earn an average of $160,150 annually, which is less than the national average of $194,940.

What is the concentration of lawyers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro?

The concentration of lawyers, measured by the Location Quotient, is 0.95, indicating a presence very close to the national average.

How does the cost of living affect the Portland lawyer salary?

The cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $160,150 salary has average purchasing power.

What is the total number of lawyers in the Portland area?

There are approximately 5,600 lawyers employed in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,600 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 4.616 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA

Semantic Salary Analysis for Lawyers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA