Pursuing a career in law can be highly lucrative, but like most other professions, your average salary will depend on where you live. If you want to maximize your profits and develop a practice that can reach a wide range of clients, you’ll want to practice in a state known for its high lawyer salaries.
In this article, we’ll discuss the top 5 best states for lawyers in the USA to work in based on average salary.
Read More: What is Family Law?
5. Virginia
Virginia is one of the largest states in the southern United States, with dense populations in Norfolk, Virginia Beach, and its capital city Richmond. This large population translates to a considerable number of legal cases, contributing to Virginia’s substantial salary for attorneys. The average salary for lawyers in Virginia is $99,981, which can vary based on the specific city you work in and your certifications.
4. Delaware
Delaware may not be the biggest state amongst its northeastern counterparts, but its average lawyer salaries demonstrate how valuable the profession is to America’s first state. The average salary of a lawyer in Delaware is about $105,614, with some salaries reaching as high as $122,170. And considering Delaware is known for being a great state for families to live in, starting your practice in the state can be a great way to lay down roots.
3. Massachusetts
Massachusetts is known for producing premier lawyers, as Harvard Law School has been the preeminent educational institution in the state for centuries. This prestige is applied to much of the state’s legal system, meaning that lawyer salaries are considerably high. The average attorney salary in Massachusetts is $109,436, which can make it easy to live comfortably in Boston, Cambridge, and many of its other historic cities.
Read More: Why You Should Consider Hiring an ERISA Lawyer
2. California
California is known for its glitz and glamor, but it’s also a hotspot for lawyers looking to establish a lucrative practice. A lawyer’s average salary in California falls around $112,353, making it an excellent state for any upcoming lawyer trying to find quick success. Many lawyers seek out Los Angeles or San Francisco, as some of the biggest firms in the state are headquartered in these cities.
1. New York
While all of the previously mentioned salaries are nothing to scoff at, the one state that surpasses them all is New York. New York’s average lawyer salary is about $121,003, and most lawyers seek work in New York City, where the highest salaries in the state are typically found. Depending on your experience, some salaries in the state can even reach as high as $150,000.
About Author:
Roni Davis is a writer, blogger, and legal assistant operating out of the greater Philadelphia area. She writes for Mosser Legal, a criminal appeals lawyer in Philadelphia. |