Average Legal Occupations Salary in Colorado
Legal professionals in Colorado are earning a robust average annual salary of $163,840, significantly surpassing the national average of $143,370. This elevated compensation is likely driven by Colorado's dynamic economy, a strong demand for specialized legal expertise, and potentially a higher cost of doing business within the state.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $163,840 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 38.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $245,760.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 26,760 individuals in legal occupations, Colorado demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The location quotient of 1.12 indicates that legal jobs are 12% more concentrated in Colorado than the national average, suggesting a healthy and potentially growing demand for legal talent within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Colorado earns+14.3%above the national average.
$78.8
$3,151
$13,653
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that the legal sector in Colorado has experienced consistent salary growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for legal services, inflation, and the evolving complexity of legal practice likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Colorado
Salary within legal occupations in Colorado naturally scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn significantly more. The widening gap between the lower and upper salary percentiles clearly signifies the substantial career progression and earning potential available to those who advance in the legal field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $56,950 | $27.4 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $122,880 | $59.1 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $124,550 | $59.9 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $204,800 | $98.5 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $245,760 | $118.2 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$163,840
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$155,299
Adjusted for COL (105.5)
The average annual salary of $163,840 in Colorado presents a strong financial standing when considered against the state's cost of living index of 105.5. While the cost of living is slightly above the national average, the substantial salary premium suggests that legal professionals in Colorado likely enjoy a comfortable disposable income and a good quality of life.
Job Market Context
26,760
Total Jobs
9.255
Per 1K Jobs
1.12
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.12, Colorado has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Legal Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
Colorado's location quotient of 1.12 for legal occupations signifies a market where these roles are more prevalent than the national average. This suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, indicating that while opportunities exist, employers may be actively seeking qualified candidates, potentially leading to competitive recruitment efforts and favorable compensation packages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Springs, CO Legal Occupations Salary | $119,740↓ 27% | 32 mi |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO Legal Occupations Salary | $162,740↓ 1% | 54 mi |
| Greeley, CO Legal Occupations Salary | $113,730↓ 31% | 98 mi |
Comparing salaries near Colorado
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Colorado?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Colorado is $163,840. This typically ranges from $56,950 for entry-level positions to $245,760 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Colorado is 14.3% higher than the national median of $143,370.
Is Colorado a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
Yes, Colorado offers lucrative opportunities for legal professionals.The average salary of $163,840 significantly exceeds the national average, and the slightly elevated cost of living is well-compensated by this higher earning potential.
Is Colorado a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Colorado is 105.5. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Colorado?
Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($119,740) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.
How does Colorado's average legal salary compare to the national average?
Colorado legal professionals earn an average of $163,840 annually, which is notably higher than the national average of $143,370.
What does the location quotient of 1.12 mean for legal jobs in Colorado?
A location quotient of 1.12 indicates that legal occupations are 12% more concentrated in Colorado compared to the national average, suggesting a stronger presence and demand for these roles.
How does the cost of living in Colorado affect the average legal salary?
With a cost of living index of 105.5, Colorado is slightly more expensive than the national average, but the higher average legal salary helps to offset this, providing good purchasing power.
What is the total workforce size for legal occupations in Colorado?
There are approximately 26,760 individuals employed in legal occupations within Colorado, reflecting a substantial professional community.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 26,760 employees in the Colorado area with a job density of 9.255 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Legal Occupations Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Colorado
- All Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Management Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Construction and Extraction Occupations Salary in Colorado
- Browse All Jobs in Colorado →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Colorado