Lawyer Salary in California
Lawyers in California earn an average of $168,114 per year across 6 metro areas. This is +15.3% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$168,114
per year
Hourly Rate
$80.82
per hour
vs National
+15.3%
$145,760 national
Salary Range
$110,392
to $246,217
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$168,114
Cost of Living Index
142
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$118,390
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for California's cost of living (above average), a Lawyer's salary of $168,114 has the purchasing power of $118,390 in an average-cost area.
Lawyer Salary by City in California
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $196,248 | $94.35/hr | $127,138 | $279,291 | 491 |
| San Francisco, CA | $194,452 | $93.49/hr | $130,699 | $289,325 | 591 |
| Los Angeles, CA | $160,714 | $77.27/hr | $107,408 | $231,794 | 646 |
| San Diego, CA | $155,531 | $74.77/hr | $98,882 | $228,141 | 383 |
| Sacramento, CA | $150,949 | $72.57/hr | $101,463 | $222,818 | 394 |
| Riverside, CA | $150,789 | $72.49/hr | $96,759 | $225,932 | 409 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
California vs National Average
Lawyer Salary Comparison
Employment in California
There are approximately 2,914 Lawyers employed across 6 metro areas in California.
Key Industries: Technology, Entertainment & Media, Agriculture
State Income Tax: 1% - 13.3%
Lawyer Salary Range in California
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$110,392
Starting salary for new Lawyers
Median (50th Percentile)
$168,114
Mid-career Lawyer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$246,217
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in California
Lawyer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Lawyer salaries in California with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lawyer salary in California?
The average Lawyer salary in California is $168,114 per year ($80.82/hour) based on 2026 data across 6 metro areas. This is 15.3% above the national average of $145,760.
What is the highest paying city for Lawyers in California?
San Jose, CA is the highest paying city for Lawyers in California, with a median salary of $196,248 per year. The lowest paying metro area is Riverside, CA at $150,789.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in California?
Lawyer salaries in California range from $110,392 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $246,217 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $168,114 per year.
About This Data
Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey. State-level averages are calculated from metro area data within California. Figures represent 2026 estimates and may not reflect all employers or self-employed workers. Cost of living adjustments use regional indices to provide purchasing power context.