Average Lawyers Salary in Washington
Lawyers in Washington State earn an average annual salary of $170,650, which is notably below the national average of $194,940. This disparity can be attributed to a combination of factors including the state's specific legal market demands, the concentration of legal services, and the overall economic landscape within Washington.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $170,650 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.7% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $255,975.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 13,140 legal professionals, Washington presents a substantial legal job market. The Location Quotient of 0.77 suggests a slightly lower concentration of lawyers compared to the national average, indicating a potentially stable but not overly saturated demand for legal expertise within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Lawyers in Washington earns-12.5%below the national average.
$82
$3,282
$14,221
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that the legal profession in Washington, like most sectors, has experienced salary growth over the past four years. Economic shifts, evolving legal needs, and inflation typically drive an upward trend in compensation for experienced professionals.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Washington
The salary progression for lawyers in Washington typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions might start considerably lower than the average, while seasoned partners or specialists in high-demand fields can command salaries well above the $170,650 mark. These percentile gaps clearly signify robust career progression opportunities within the state's legal sector.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $86,840 | $41.8 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $127,988 | $61.5 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $151,950 | $73.1 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $213,313 | $102.6 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $255,975 | $123.1 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$170,650
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$148,262
Adjusted for COL (115.1)
The average lawyer salary of $170,650 in Washington must be considered alongside a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, which is 15.1% higher than the national average. This means that while the nominal salary appears substantial, the purchasing power of that income is reduced due to the higher cost of goods and services in the state.
Job Market Context
13,140
Total Jobs
3.713
Per 1K Jobs
0.77
Location Quotient
Washington has 0.77x 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 0.77 indicates that lawyers are slightly less concentrated in Washington compared to the national average. This suggests that while the legal profession is well-established, the market may not be as intensely competitive as in areas with a higher quotient, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Lawyers Salary | $183,840↑ 8% | 42 mi |
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Lawyers Salary | $133,550↓ 22% | 54 mi |
| Bremerton-Silverdale-Port Orchard, WA Lawyers Salary | $141,370↓ 17% | 58 mi |
| Olympia-Lacey-Tumwater, WA Lawyers Salary | $129,480↓ 24% | 70 mi |
| Yakima, WA Lawyers Salary | $132,540↓ 22% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Washington
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Washington?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Washington is $170,650. This typically ranges from $86,840 for entry-level positions to $255,975 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Washington is 12.5% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Washington a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Yes, but with caveats.Lawyers in Washington earn a solid average salary of $170,650, though it falls short of the national average. The higher cost of living means the take-home value is somewhat diminished compared to national benchmarks.
Is Washington a good place to live for Lawyers?
The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?
Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($183,840) and Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA.
How does Washington's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Washington earn an average of $170,650 annually, which is approximately $24,290 less than the national average salary of $194,940.
What is the cost of living for lawyers in Washington?
The cost of living in Washington is 15.1% higher than the national average, with an index of 115.1, impacting the real value of the $170,650 average salary.
How concentrated is the legal job market in Washington?
Washington has a Location Quotient of 0.77 for lawyers, indicating a slightly lower concentration than the national average, suggesting a balanced job market.
How many lawyers are there in Washington?
There are approximately 13,140 lawyers employed in Washington State, representing 3.713 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,140 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 3.713 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 Washington