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Average Lawyers Salary in Rochester, NY

Lawyers in Rochester, NY earn an average annual salary of $173,840, which is notably below the national average of $194,940. This difference in compensation is often influenced by local economic factors, the demand for legal services within the region, and the overall cost of doing business for law firms in Rochester.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $173,840 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 68.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $260,760.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,050 legal professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.86, Rochester presents a slightly less concentrated market for lawyers compared to the national average. This suggests a stable, albeit not exceptionally high, demand for legal expertise within the city, indicating a solid job market for experienced professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$173,840

The average Lawyers in Rochester, NY earns-10.8%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$83.6

Weekly

$3,343

Monthly

$14,487

Lawyers Salary Distribution in Rochester, NY

The salary range for lawyers in Rochester, NY, significantly expands with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while seasoned senior lawyers, particularly those with specialized expertise or in leadership roles, can command salaries well above the $173,840 mark. The increasing percentile gaps in salary reflect the substantial career progression and earning potential available.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$78,140$37.6
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$130,380$62.7
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$138,010$66.4
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$217,300$104.5
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$260,760$125.4

Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$173,840

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$173,840

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average lawyer salary of $173,840 in Rochester, NY, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the nominal salary offers a purchasing power equivalent to the national average, suggesting that the cost of living does not significantly inflate or deflate the perceived value of this income.

Job Market Context

2,050

Total Jobs

4.172

Per 1K Jobs

0.86

Location Quotient

Below Average

Rochester, NY has 0.86x 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 0.86 indicates that Rochester, NY, has a slightly lower concentration of lawyers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the legal profession is well-established, the market is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled lawyers without facing the intense competition found in more concentrated urban centers.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Lawyers

CitySalaryDist.
Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY Lawyers Salary$133,470↓ 23%65 mi
Syracuse, NY Lawyers Salary$139,910↓ 20%75 mi
Ithaca, NY Lawyers Salary$135,160↓ 22%75 mi
Elmira, NY Lawyers Salary$123,690↓ 29%85 mi

Comparing salaries near Rochester, NY

Hiring Lawyerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyers make in Rochester, NY?

The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Rochester, NY is $173,840. This typically ranges from $78,140 for entry-level positions to $260,760 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Rochester, NY is 10.8% lower than the national median of $194,940.

Is Rochester, NY a lucrative place for Lawyerss?

Moderately lucrative, but below the national average.Lawyers in Rochester, NY, earn an average of $173,840, which is less than the national average. However, the local cost of living is also at the national average, meaning the salary offers standard purchasing power.

Is Rochester, NY a good place to live for Lawyers?

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

Where are the highest paying cities near Rochester, NY?

Some top paying nearby cities include Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY ($133,470) and Syracuse, NY.

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

The average annual salary for lawyers in Rochester, NY, is $173,840, which is approximately 11% lower than the national average of $194,940.

What is the concentration of lawyers in Rochester, NY?

Rochester, NY has a Location Quotient of 0.86 for lawyers, indicating a slightly lower concentration of legal professionals compared to the national average.

Does the cost of living affect lawyer salaries in Rochester, NY?

The cost of living in Rochester, NY, is at the national average (100). This means the average salary of $173,840 provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

How many lawyers are employed in Rochester, NY?

There are approximately 2,050 lawyers employed in Rochester, NY, with the profession accounting for 4.172 jobs per 1,000 workers in the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,050 employees in the Rochester, NY area with a job density of 4.172 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 Rochester, NY