Lawyer Salary in District of Columbia
Lawyers in District of Columbia earn an average of $169,373 per year across 1 metro area. This is +16.2% higher than the national average.
Average Salary
$169,373
per year
Hourly Rate
$81.43
per hour
vs National
+16.2%
$145,760 national
Salary Range
$106,220
to $242,954
Cost of Living Adjusted Salary
Nominal Salary
$169,373
Cost of Living Index
153
100 = national average
Adjusted Salary
$110,701
purchasing power equivalent
After adjusting for District of Columbia's cost of living (above average), a Lawyer's salary of $169,373 has the purchasing power of $110,701 in an average-cost area.
Lawyer Salary by City in District of Columbia
| City | Median Salary | Hourly Rate | Entry Level (P10) | Senior (P90) | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Washington, DC | $169,373 | $81.43/hr | $106,220 | $242,954 | 509 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS Survey, 2026. Sorted by median salary (highest first).
District of Columbia vs National Average
Lawyer Salary Comparison
Employment in District of Columbia
There are approximately 509 Lawyers employed across 1 metro area in District of Columbia.
Key Industries: Federal Government, Legal Services, Professional Services
State Income Tax: 4% - 10.75%
Lawyer Salary Range in District of Columbia
Entry Level (10th Percentile)
$106,220
Starting salary for new Lawyers
Median (50th Percentile)
$169,373
Mid-career Lawyer salary
Senior (90th Percentile)
$242,954
Top earners in the field
Related Occupations in District of Columbia
Lawyer Salary in Neighboring States
Compare Lawyer salaries in District of Columbia with nearby states to find the best opportunities.
More District of Columbia Data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Lawyer salary in District of Columbia?
The average Lawyer salary in District of Columbia is $169,373 per year ($81.43/hour) based on 2026 data across 1 metro areas. This is 16.2% above the national average of $145,760.
What is the highest paying city for Lawyers in District of Columbia?
Washington, DC is the highest paying city for Lawyers in District of Columbia, with a median salary of $169,373 per year.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in District of Columbia?
Lawyer salaries in District of Columbia range from $106,220 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $242,954 (experienced, 90th percentile). The median salary is $169,373 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 District of Columbia. 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.