Lawyer Salary in Los Angeles, CA: $160,714 (2024)

The median lawyer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $160,714 per year ($77.27/hour) as of 2026. This is based on official U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Salaries range from $107,408 for entry-level positions to $231,794 for experienced professionals in the top 10%.

Entry-level lawyers in Los Angeles, CA typically start at around $107,408 per year ($51.64/hour), representing the 10th percentile. New graduates and those with less than 2 years of experience fall into this range. With experience and skill development, salaries can progress to the median of $160,714 within 3-5 years.

Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA earn a median hourly wage of $77.27 per hour. Hourly rates range from $51.64/hour at entry-level (10th percentile) to $111.44/hour for top earners (90th percentile). Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, this translates to annual salaries between $107,408 and $231,794.

The median lawyer salary of $160,714 in Los Angeles, CA is well above the national median of $145,760 (10.3% higher). However, the cost of living is 46% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. This salary places you at the 50th percentile, meaning half of lawyers in the area earn more and half earn less.

Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA earn well above the national average. The local median salary of $160,714 is 10.3% higher than the national median of $145,760. However, the cost of living is 46% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. When adjusted for cost of living, the effective salary is approximately $109,852.

The top 10% of lawyers in Los Angeles, CA earn $231,794 or more per year ($111.44/hour). These top earners typically have 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, specialized expertise, or hold senior/management positions. The 75th percentile earns $193,640, which is a realistic goal for mid-career professionals.

Key skills that can boost lawyer salary in Los Angeles, CA include: Strong communication and interpersonal abilities, Problem-solving and critical thinking, Technical proficiency relevant to the field, Attention to detail and organizational skills. Professionals with these skills often earn above the median of $160,714, potentially reaching the 75th percentile ($193,640) or higher. Years of relevant experience

Los Angeles, CA has a moderate job market for lawyers, with approximately 646 professionals employed in the area. The median salary of $160,714 is well above the national average. However, the cost of living is 46% above the national average, which affects purchasing power. Job seekers should consider both salary and local industry demand when evaluating opportunities.

Compare your lawyer salary to these Los Angeles, CA benchmarks: 10th percentile (entry-level): $107,408, 25th percentile: $128,556, 50th percentile (median): $160,714, 75th percentile: $193,640, 90th percentile (top earners): $231,794. If you earn more than $160,714, you're above average for the area.

Beyond the $160,714 median base salary, lawyers in Los Angeles, CA typically receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement plans (401k with employer matching), paid time off (15-25 days), and potentially bonuses or profit-sharing. Total compensation including benefits typically adds 25-40% to base salary value.

Experienced lawyers with 5-10 years in Los Angeles, CA typically earn $193,640 (75th percentile) to $231,794 (90th percentile) per year. Senior professionals with 10+ years, certifications, or management roles can reach the top 10% at $231,794. Mid-career professionals (3-5 years) usually earn around the median of $160,714.

Lawyers in Los Angeles, CA can see significant salary growth over their careers. Entry-level ($107,408) to median ($160,714) typically takes 3-5 years. Reaching the 90th percentile ($231,794) may take 10+ years and often requires specialized skills, certifications, or leadership experience. That's a potential growth of $124,386 over a career.