Average Legal Occupations Salary in Madison, WI
Legal professionals in Madison, WI, can expect an average annual salary of $115,790. This figure is notably below the national average of $143,370, reflecting the specific economic dynamics and demand within the Madison metropolitan area. Localized market conditions, including the concentration of legal firms and the overall economic health of Wisconsin's capital, play a significant role in shaping compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $115,790 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $216,590.
- Outlook: Madison, WI, hosts a stable workforce of 3,040 individuals in Legal Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.91, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, suggesting a mature but not overly saturated market. The presence of nearly 7.5 legal jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent demand for legal expertise within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Madison, WI earns-19.2%below the national average.
$55.7
$2,227
$9,649
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Legal Occupations in Madison have experienced steady growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic development and an increasing need for specialized legal services typically drive upward salary adjustments in established professional fields.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Madison, WI
The salary spectrum for Legal Occupations in Madison, WI, naturally widens with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while senior roles and specialized practitioners command significantly higher earnings, potentially reaching the upper percentiles. The gap between entry-level and senior salaries signifies clear career progression pathways and opportunities for substantial income growth.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $49,370 | $23.7 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $86,843 | $41.8 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $93,880 | $45.1 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $144,738 | $69.6 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $216,590 | $104.1 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$115,790
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$115,790
Adjusted for COL (100)
An average annual salary of $115,790 in Madison, WI, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of a legal professional's income in Madison is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a location with a national average cost of living. Therefore, the nominal salary translates directly to average living expenses without significant strain or surplus.
Job Market Context
3,040
Total Jobs
7.494
Per 1K Jobs
0.91
Location Quotient
Madison, WI has 0.91x the national average concentration of Legal Occupations jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
The Location Quotient of 0.91 for Legal Occupations in Madison indicates that the density of these jobs is slightly lower than the national average. This suggests that while legal professionals are well-represented, the market is not exceptionally competitive due to an oversupply of talent. It presents a balanced environment where demand is steady, and opportunities are available without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Janesville-Beloit, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $97,630↓ 16% | 33 mi |
| Rockford, IL Legal Occupations Salary | $94,180↓ 19% | 59 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $95,850↓ 17% | 68 mi |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $131,480↑ 14% | 72 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $110,080↓ 5% | 77 mi |
Comparing salaries near Madison, WI
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Madison, WI?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Madison, WI is $115,790. This typically ranges from $49,370 for entry-level positions to $216,590 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Madison, WI is 19.2% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Madison, WI a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
Moderately lucrative, but not above the national average.The average salary of $115,790 is below the national average, but the cost of living is also at the national average, making it a stable earning environment.
Is Madison, WI a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Madison, WI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Madison, WI?
Some top paying nearby cities include Janesville-Beloit, WI ($97,630) and Rockford, IL.
How does Madison's legal job market compare to the national average?
Madison's legal job market has a slightly lower concentration of jobs (LQ of 0.91) compared to the national average, indicating a stable but less dense presence of legal professionals.
What is the average salary for Legal Occupations in Madison, WI?
The average annual salary for Legal Occupations in Madison, WI, is $115,790.
Does the cost of living in Madison affect the value of the average salary?
No, the cost of living in Madison is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $115,790 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary.
How many people work in Legal Occupations in Madison, WI?
There are approximately 3,040 individuals employed in Legal Occupations within Madison, WI.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 3,040 employees in the Madison, WI area with a job density of 7.494 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Madison, WI