Average Legal Occupations Salary in Texas
In Texas, professionals in Legal Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $121,730. This figure is notably lower than the national average of $143,370, suggesting that while Texas offers significant opportunities, the compensation structure may be influenced by regional economic factors and the state's unique legal landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $121,730 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $228,690.
- Outlook: Texas boasts a substantial workforce of 96,460 individuals employed in Legal Occupations. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these roles is slightly below the national average, indicating a robust but not overly saturated market. The presence of nearly 7 legal jobs per 1,000 workers underscores a steady demand for legal expertise across the state.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Texas earns-15.1%below the national average.
$58.5
$2,341
$10,144
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Legal Occupations in Texas have experienced a gradual upward trend over the past four years, mirroring national economic growth and increasing demand for legal services. This growth is likely driven by factors such as an expanding business sector and evolving regulatory environments within the state.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Texas
The salary spectrum for Legal Occupations in Texas widens considerably with experience. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower percentiles, while seasoned legal professionals with extensive expertise and specialized knowledge can achieve earnings in the upper percentiles, often exceeding $150,000 annually. This progression highlights significant opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $44,150 | $21.2 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $91,298 | $43.9 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $93,460 | $44.9 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $152,163 | $73.2 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $228,690 | $109.9 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$121,730
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$130,892
Adjusted for COL (93)
The average annual salary of $121,730 in Texas presents a favorable financial picture when considering the local cost of living. With a Cost of Living Index of 93, Texas is approximately 7% more affordable than the national average. This means that the nominal salary earned by legal professionals in Texas likely offers a higher effective purchasing power than the same salary would in a higher cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
96,460
Total Jobs
6.966
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Texas has 0.84x 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 0.84 for Legal Occupations in Texas suggests that the state has a slightly lower concentration of these roles compared to the national average. This indicates a competitive job market where demand is present but perhaps not as intense as in other regions, offering a balanced environment for both employers seeking talent and professionals seeking opportunities.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Killeen-Temple, TX Legal Occupations Salary | $92,470↓ 24% | 10 mi |
| Waco, TX Legal Occupations Salary | $94,430↓ 22% | 41 mi |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX Legal Occupations Salary | $128,230↑ 5% | 53 mi |
| College Station-Bryan, TX Legal Occupations Salary | $91,680↓ 25% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Texas
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Texas?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Texas is $121,730. This typically ranges from $44,150 for entry-level positions to $228,690 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Texas is 15.1% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Texas a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
Yes, with a caveat.Texas offers a solid average salary of $121,730, which, combined with a cost of living below the national average, provides good financial standing. However, it is below the national average salary for these roles.
Is Texas a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 93 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Texas?
Some top paying nearby cities include Killeen-Temple, TX ($92,470) and Waco, TX.
How does the Texas legal job market compare to the national average?
The average salary for Legal Occupations in Texas is $121,730, which is lower than the national average of $143,370. The concentration of these jobs (Location Quotient of 0.84) is also slightly below the national average.
What is the cost of living impact on legal salaries in Texas?
Texas has a Cost of Living Index of 93, meaning it's 7% cheaper than the national average. This makes the $121,730 salary more valuable in terms of purchasing power compared to higher-cost states.
How many legal professionals work in Texas?
Texas employs a significant workforce of 96,460 individuals in Legal Occupations, with approximately 6.966 jobs per 1,000 workers.
Does experience significantly impact legal salaries in Texas?
Yes, experience plays a crucial role, with entry-level positions earning less and senior legal professionals commanding higher salaries, reflecting a clear path for career and earning progression.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 96,460 employees in the Texas area with a job density of 6.966 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 Texas