Average Legal Occupations Salary in Yakima, WA
In Yakima, WA, professionals in Legal Occupations can expect an average annual salary of $103,170. This figure is notably below the national average of $143,370, reflecting the unique economic landscape and demand specific to the region. Local market dynamics, including industry concentration and the overall size of the legal sector, significantly influence compensation levels.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $103,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $175,940.
- Outlook: The legal job market in Yakima, WA, while not as concentrated as the national average with a Location Quotient of 0.57, supports a workforce of 460 individuals. The presence of nearly 5 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a stable, albeit specialized, demand for legal professionals within the local economy. This suggests a consistent need for legal services, though perhaps not at the rapid growth pace seen in larger metropolitan areas.
Salary Overview
The average Legal Occupations in Yakima, WA earns-28.0%below the national average.
$49.6
$1,984
$8,598
Legal Occupations Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Yakima is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Legal Occupations have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic recovery, evolving legal needs, and inflation typically drive modest increases in compensation for skilled professionals in established fields like law.
Legal Occupations Salary Distribution in Yakima, WA
Salary progression within Legal Occupations in Yakima, WA, is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command salaries at the lower end of the spectrum, while senior roles, those with extensive experience, or specialized expertise can significantly exceed the average. The percentile gaps in earnings serve as clear indicators of career advancement opportunities and the value placed on seasoned legal professionals.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Legal AssistantResearch, drafting documents, case support. | 10% (Entry) | $49,480 | $23.8 |
| AssociateHandling depositions, smaller cases independently. | 25% (Junior) | $77,378 | $37.2 |
| Senior AssociateLead on cases, client management, trial experience. | 50% (Median) | $89,270 | $42.9 |
| Counsel / PartnerBusiness development, specialized high-stakes cases. | 75% (Senior) | $128,963 | $62 |
| Managing PartnerFirm leadership. Executive strategy. | 90% (Expert) | $175,940 | $84.6 |
Detailed Legal Occupations Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$103,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$103,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
For individuals considering a move to Yakima, WA, the average salary of $103,170 aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of the legal professional's income in Yakima is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial footing without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
460
Total Jobs
4.691
Per 1K Jobs
0.57
Location Quotient
Yakima, WA has 0.57x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 0.57, the legal job market in Yakima, WA, is less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while legal jobs exist and are filled by a local workforce of 460, the field is not a dominant industry within the region's overall employment landscape. This could imply a more specialized or niche market for legal services, potentially offering unique opportunities for those with specific skill sets.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Legal Occupations
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA Legal Occupations Salary | $102,850↓ 0% | 59 mi |
| Kennewick-Richland, WA Legal Occupations Salary | $110,490↑ 7% | 71 mi |
| Western Washington nonmetropolitan area Legal Occupations Salary | $97,980↓ 5% | 71 mi |
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Legal Occupations Salary | $106,390↑ 3% | 71 mi |
Comparing salaries near Yakima, WA
Hiring Legal Occupationss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Legal Occupations make in Yakima, WA?
The median annual salary for a Legal Occupations in Yakima, WA is $103,170. This typically ranges from $49,480 for entry-level positions to $175,940 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Yakima, WA is 28.0% lower than the national median of $143,370.
Is Yakima, WA a lucrative place for Legal Occupationss?
No, not compared to the national average.While the average salary of $103,170 is substantial, it falls significantly short of the national average of $143,370. However, the cost of living being at the national average means your salary has equivalent purchasing power locally.
Is Yakima, WA a good place to live for Legal Occupations?
The Cost of Living Index in Yakima, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Yakima, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Wenatchee-East Wenatchee, WA ($102,850) and Kennewick-Richland, WA.
How does Yakima's legal job market compare to national concentration?
Yakima's legal job market is less concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 0.57, indicating fewer legal jobs relative to the overall workforce compared to the rest of the country.
What is the total number of legal professionals in Yakima, WA?
There are approximately 460 individuals employed in Legal Occupations within Yakima, WA.
Does the cost of living in Yakima affect the value of the legal salary?
No, the cost of living in Yakima is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $103,170 salary offers the same purchasing power as the national average salary would in a typical US city.
Are there many legal job opportunities per worker in Yakima?
There are 4.691 jobs per 1,000 workers in Legal Occupations in Yakima, WA, suggesting a steady but not exceptionally high demand for these roles within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 460 employees in the Yakima, WA area with a job density of 4.691 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 Yakima, WA