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Average Legal Occupations Salary in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

In the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area, Legal Occupations professionals earn an average annual salary of $106,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $143,370, suggesting that regional economic factors and demand dynamics play a significant role in compensation within this specific locale. The lower average salary may be influenced by the unique economic landscape and the concentration of legal services required in this nonmetropolitan setting.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $106,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 36.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $184,690.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 670 individuals in Legal Occupations and a Location Quotient of 0.75, the job market in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area indicates a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. While the total workforce size is modest, the demand, as reflected by jobs per 1,000 workers at 6.17, suggests a stable, albeit not booming, presence for legal professionals.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$106,510

The average Legal Occupations in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area earns-25.7%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$51.2

Weekly

$2,048

Monthly

$8,876

Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Compensation for Legal Occupations typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience and specialized skills can expect to earn considerably more, potentially reaching the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior-level salaries is a clear indicator of career progression and the value placed on accumulated expertise and a proven track record.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support.10% (Entry)$49,960$24
AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently.25% (Junior)$79,883$38.4
Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience.50% (Median)$90,020$43.3
Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases.75% (Senior)$133,138$64
Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy.90% (Expert)$184,690$88.8

Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$106,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$106,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $106,510 in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of the local salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average for the profession, the cost of living does not diminish its real value.

Job Market Context

670

Total Jobs

6.17

Per 1K Jobs

0.75

Location Quotient

Below Average

Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area has 0.75x 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.

A Location Quotient of 0.75 for Legal Occupations in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area suggests that this profession is slightly less concentrated here than the national average. This indicates a market that is neither oversaturated nor exceptionally scarce; rather, it presents a balanced environment where legal professionals can find opportunities without facing intense competition, while also not being in extremely high demand relative to other regions.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations

Comparing salaries near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Legal Occupationss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Legal Occupations make in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is $106,510. This typically ranges from $49,960 for entry-level positions to $184,690 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 25.7% lower than the national median of $143,370.

Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?

No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $106,510 is below the national average of $143,370, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Legal Occupations?

The Cost of Living Index in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Colorado Springs, CO ($119,740) and Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO.

How does the cost of living affect the salary in Southwest Colorado?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $106,510 average salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, meaning expenses are neither significantly higher nor lower than elsewhere in the country.

What is the concentration of Legal Occupations in this area?

The Location Quotient of 0.75 indicates that Legal Occupations are slightly less concentrated in Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate job market.

How many Legal Occupations jobs are there per 1,000 workers?

There are 6.17 jobs per 1,000 workers in Legal Occupations in this region, providing a measure of job availability relative to the overall workforce.

Is the job market for Legal Occupations growing in Southwest Colorado?

While specific growth rates aren't provided, the stable presence of 670 professionals suggests a consistent demand for legal services in the area, likely with typical incremental salary growth over time.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 670 employees in the Southwest Colorado nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 6.17 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.