Average Legal Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
Legal Occupations in Wisconsin earn an average annual salary of $115,630, which is below the national average of $143,370. This disparity is influenced by several regional economic factors, including the specific demand within the state and the overall cost of living, which tends to be lower than the national benchmark.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $115,630 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 22.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,830.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 15,430 individuals in Legal Occupations, Wisconsin presents a substantial, though not overwhelmingly concentrated, presence in this field. The Location Quotient of 0.64 indicates that this sector is less concentrated in Wisconsin compared to the national average, suggesting a moderate but stable demand for legal professionals within the state's economy.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Wisconsin earns-19.3%below the national average.
$55.6
$2,224
$9,636
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for Legal Occupations across the United States, including Wisconsin, have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by increasing legal complexities, evolving regulatory landscapes, and sustained demand for legal services, which collectively push compensation higher.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Wisconsin
The career trajectory for Legal Occupations in Wisconsin shows a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as professionals gain expertise and advance to senior roles, their earning potential escalates considerably. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries clearly signifies substantial career progression and increased earning capacity over time.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $47,250 | $22.7 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $86,723 | $41.7 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $81,910 | $39.4 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $144,538 | $69.5 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $218,830 | $105.2 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$115,630
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$125,822
Adjusted for COL (91.9)
The average annual salary of $115,630 in Wisconsin offers a strong purchasing power, especially when considered against the state's Cost of Living Index of 91.9. This index, being below the national average of 100, means that the nominal salary translates to a higher real income, allowing legal professionals to enjoy a better standard of living compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
15,430
Total Jobs
5.278
Per 1K Jobs
0.64
Location Quotient
Wisconsin has 0.64x 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 0.64 for Legal Occupations in Wisconsin suggests that this sector is less prevalent in the state's workforce relative to the national average. This indicates a market that is not oversaturated, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled legal professionals, though perhaps with less intense competition than in more concentrated national hubs.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wausau, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $100,590↓ 13% | 48 mi |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $110,080↓ 5% | 55 mi |
| Appleton, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $106,540↓ 8% | 61 mi |
| Fond du Lac, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $95,850↓ 17% | 68 mi |
| Green Bay, WI Legal Occupations Salary | $101,090↓ 13% | 82 mi |
Comparing salaries near Wisconsin
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Wisconsin is $115,630. This typically ranges from $47,250 for entry-level positions to $218,830 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wisconsin is 19.3% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Wisconsin a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
Yes, Wisconsin offers a good value for Legal Occupations professionals due to its lower cost of living.While the average salary of $115,630 is below the national average, Wisconsin's Cost of Living Index of 91.9 makes this salary go further. This means your earnings provide a higher real income and standard of living compared to many other states.
Is Wisconsin a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
With a Cost of Living Index of 91.9 (lower than the national average of 100), your salary goes further here.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wisconsin?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wausau, WI ($100,590) and Oshkosh-Neenah, WI.
How does Wisconsin's legal job market compare nationally?
Wisconsin has a lower concentration of Legal Occupations compared to the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.64. This suggests fewer legal jobs per capita relative to the rest of the country.
What is the average salary for Legal Occupations in Wisconsin?
The average annual salary for Legal Occupations in Wisconsin is $115,630.
How does the cost of living in Wisconsin affect salaries?
Wisconsin's Cost of Living Index is 91.9, which is below the national average. This means that the $115,630 average salary provides greater purchasing power for residents compared to areas with a higher cost of living.
Are there many legal jobs in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs 15,430 individuals in Legal Occupations, with 5.278 jobs per 1,000 workers, indicating a steady presence in the state's labor market.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 15,430 employees in the Wisconsin area with a job density of 5.278 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 Wisconsin
- All Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Production Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Management Occupations Salary in Wisconsin
- Browse All Jobs in Wisconsin →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Legal Occupations • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Wisconsin