Lawyers in Wisconsin earn an average annual salary of $155,270, which is notably 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 and the overall cost of doing business within Wisconsin.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $155,270 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 24.8% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $232,905.
- Outlook: Wisconsin's legal job market is characterized by a substantial workforce of 8,820 lawyers. The Location Quotient of 0.62 suggests that while lawyers are present, the concentration is lower than the national average, indicating a potentially less saturated but still active market for legal professionals.
Lawyers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume that the legal profession in Wisconsin, like most sectors, has experienced salary growth over the past four years. Economic shifts, evolving legal needs, and inflation typically contribute to an upward trend in compensation for experienced professionals.
Lawyers Salary Distribution in Wisconsin
Salary progression for lawyers in Wisconsin typically follows a clear trajectory based on experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned attorneys with specialized expertise and a proven track record can expect significantly higher earnings. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries reflects substantial career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $63,300 | $30.4 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $116,453 | $56 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $119,970 | $57.7 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $194,088 | $93.3 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $232,905 | $112 |
Detailed Lawyers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$155,270
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$168,955
Adjusted for COL (91.9)
The average lawyer salary of $155,270 in Wisconsin presents a favorable financial outlook when considering the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.9. This index is below the national average of 100, meaning that the nominal salary earned by lawyers in Wisconsin likely offers a higher purchasing power and a better standard of living compared to many other states.
Job Market Context
8,820
Total Jobs
3.015
Per 1K Jobs
0.62
Location Quotient
Wisconsin has 0.62x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.62, Wisconsin has a lower concentration of lawyers relative to the national average. This suggests that the job market may be less competitive than in areas with a higher concentration, potentially offering more opportunities for skilled legal professionals to establish or advance their careers.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Lawyers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Lawyers Salary | $136,190↓ 12% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Lawyers Salary | $146,260↓ 6% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Lawyers Salary | $149,730↓ 4% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Lawyers Salary | $124,240↓ 20% | 68 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Lawyers Salary | $144,480↓ 7% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wisconsin
Hiring Lawyerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyers make in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for a Lawyers in Wisconsin is $155,270. This typically ranges from $63,300 for entry-level positions to $232,905 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wisconsin is 20.3% lower than the national median of $194,940.
Is Wisconsin a lucrative place for Lawyerss?
Yes, with a lower cost of living.While the average salary is below the national average, Wisconsin's lower cost of living index means your earnings may go further. The market also shows a less concentrated presence of lawyers, potentially offering good opportunities.
Is Wisconsin a good place to live for Lawyers?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wisconsin?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($136,190) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does Wisconsin's lawyer salary compare to the national average?
Lawyers in Wisconsin earn an average of $155,270 annually, which is less than the national average of $194,940.
What is the concentration of lawyers in Wisconsin compared to the rest of the US?
Wisconsin has a Location Quotient of 0.62 for lawyers, indicating a lower concentration than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Wisconsin affect a lawyer's salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.9, Wisconsin is more affordable than the national average, making the $155,270 salary potentially more valuable in terms of purchasing power.
How many lawyers are employed in Wisconsin?
There are approximately 8,820 lawyers employed in Wisconsin.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 8,820 employees in the Wisconsin area with a job density of 3.015 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 Wisconsin