Average Legal Occupations Salary in Massachusetts
Legal professionals in Massachusetts command an impressive average annual salary of $174,530, significantly outpacing the national average of $143,370. This elevated compensation is largely driven by the state's robust economy, high demand for specialized legal expertise, and the concentration of major legal and financial institutions within its borders.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $174,530 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 29.6% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $261,795.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 33,190 individuals in Legal Occupations, Massachusetts demonstrates a significant presence in this sector. The Location Quotient of 1.1 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for legal talent within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Massachusetts earns+21.7%above the national average.
$83.9
$3,356
$14,544
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Legal Occupations in Massachusetts have experienced consistent growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing legal complexity, evolving regulatory landscapes, and sustained economic activity likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Massachusetts
The salary landscape for Legal Occupations in Massachusetts shows a clear progression with experience. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower percentiles, while senior and highly specialized roles command salaries in the upper percentiles. The widening gap between these percentiles signifies substantial earning potential and career advancement opportunities for dedicated legal professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $60,670 | $29.2 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $130,898 | $62.9 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $128,530 | $61.8 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $218,163 | $104.9 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $261,795 | $125.9 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$174,530
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$117,608
Adjusted for COL (148.4)
While the average annual salary of $174,530 in Massachusetts is substantial, it's crucial to consider the local Cost of Living Index of 148.4. This index, significantly above the national average of 100, means that while nominal earnings are high, the purchasing power of that salary will be somewhat diminished compared to more affordable regions.
Job Market Context
33,190
Total Jobs
9.113
Per 1K Jobs
1.1
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.10, Massachusetts has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Legal Occupations roles compared to the national norm.
A Location Quotient of 1.1 for Legal Occupations in Massachusetts suggests a job market that is slightly more concentrated than the national average. This indicates a healthy demand for legal professionals, making the market competitive yet abundant with opportunities for skilled individuals in this field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Worcester, MA Legal Occupations Salary | $129,420↓ 26% | 14 mi |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH Legal Occupations Salary | $182,720↑ 5% | 24 mi |
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA Legal Occupations Salary | $109,900↓ 37% | 29 mi |
| Amherst Town-Northampton, MA Legal Occupations Salary | $108,690↓ 38% | 52 mi |
| Springfield, MA Legal Occupations Salary | $120,370↓ 31% | 52 mi |
Comparing salaries near Massachusetts
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Massachusetts?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Massachusetts is $174,530. This typically ranges from $60,670 for entry-level positions to $261,795 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Massachusetts is 21.7% higher than the national median of $143,370.
Is Massachusetts a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
Yes, Massachusetts is a highly lucrative state for Legal Occupations.The average annual salary of $174,530 significantly exceeds the national average, and the state's slightly higher concentration of these roles indicates strong demand.
Is Massachusetts a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Massachusetts is 148.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Massachusetts?
Some top paying nearby cities include Worcester, MA ($129,420) and Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH.
How does the Massachusetts legal salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for Legal Occupations in Massachusetts is $174,530, which is considerably higher than the national average of $143,370.
What is the concentration of Legal Occupations in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a Location Quotient of 1.1 for Legal Occupations, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly higher than the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the legal salary in Massachusetts?
With a Cost of Living Index of 148.4, Massachusetts is significantly more expensive than the national average, meaning the high salary's purchasing power is reduced compared to lower-cost states.
What is the total workforce size for Legal Occupations in Massachusetts?
There are 33,190 individuals employed in Legal Occupations within Massachusetts, 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 33,190 employees in the Massachusetts area with a job density of 9.113 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 Massachusetts