Lawyers in Utah earn an average annual salary of $151,220, which is below the national average of $194,940. This disparity is often influenced by a combination of factors unique to the state's economic landscape, including the demand for legal services, the cost of doing business, and the overall economic health of Utah.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $151,220 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $226,830.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 5,850 legal professionals, Utah presents a moderately sized market for lawyers. The Location Quotient of 0.71 suggests that the concentration of lawyers in Utah is slightly below the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not oversaturated job market. The rate of 3.42 jobs per 1,000 workers further contextualizes the employment opportunities within the state.
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for lawyers in Utah, mirroring national trends, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by inflation, increasing demand for specialized legal expertise, and the evolving complexity of legal frameworks.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Utah
Salary progression for lawyers in Utah, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect significantly higher compensation. The widening gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles clearly signifies the substantial career advancement and earning potential available within the legal profession in Utah.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $62,430 | $30 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $113,415 | $54.5 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $125,710 | $60.4 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $189,025 | $90.9 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $226,830 | $109.1 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$151,220
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$144,708
Adjusted for COL (104.5)
The average annual salary of $151,220 in Utah needs to be considered within the context of its Cost of Living Index of 104.5. This index indicates that the cost of living in Utah is approximately 4.5% higher than the national average. Therefore, while the nominal salary appears substantial, its purchasing power is slightly diminished by the elevated cost of goods and services within the state.
Job Market Context
5,850
Total Jobs
3.42
Per 1K Jobs
0.71
Location Quotient
Utah has 0.71x 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 0.71 for lawyers in Utah signifies that the profession is less concentrated in the state compared to the national average. This suggests that while there is a steady presence of legal professionals, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher concentration. This could translate to more accessible opportunities for qualified legal practitioners.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT Lawyers Salary | $147,310↓ 3% | 13 mi |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT Lawyers Salary | $159,070↑ 5% | 44 mi |
| Ogden, UT Lawyers Salary | $130,000↓ 14% | 75 mi |
Comparing salaries near Utah
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Utah?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Utah is $151,220. This typically ranges from $62,430 for entry-level positions to $226,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Utah is 22.4% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Utah a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Moderately. While the average salary of $151,220 is below the national average, the cost of living is only slightly higher, and the market concentration is below average.Lawyers in Utah earn a respectable average salary, though it trails the national figure. The slightly elevated cost of living means the purchasing power is somewhat reduced, but the lower concentration of lawyers could indicate a less competitive job market.
Is Utah a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Utah is 104.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Utah?
Some top paying nearby cities include Provo-Orem-Lehi, UT ($147,310) and Salt Lake City-Murray, UT.
How does Utah's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for lawyers in Utah is $151,220, which is notably lower than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Utah compared to the rest of the US?
Utah has a Location Quotient of 0.71 for lawyers, indicating that the profession is less concentrated in the state than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Utah affect a lawyer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 104.5, Utah is slightly more expensive than the national average. This means the $151,220 salary has a slightly reduced purchasing power compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
What is the size of the legal job market in Utah?
Utah has a total local workforce of 5,850 lawyers, with approximately 3.42 jobs per 1,000 workers in the state.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,850 employees in the Utah area with a job density of 3.42 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 Utah