Legal Alaska (AK) Rank #4 of 50

Lawyer Salary in Alaska

The median lawyer salary in Alaska is $168,318 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary
$168,318
vs National
+$32,578
State Rank
#4 of 50
Cost of Living
124%

Lawyer Salary Overview in Alaska (2026)

Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for lawyer compensation. This places Alaska in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for lawyers seeking high pay. At $168,318 per year, lawyers in Alaska earn $32,578 more than the national median of $135,740.

It's worth noting that Alaska's cost of living is 124% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $168,318 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $135,740.

The salary spread in Alaska is significant: lawyers at the 10th percentile earn $80,600, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $296,608 — a $216,008 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Alaska for this role is Juneau, where the median reaches $183,249.

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for lawyers across the country.

Lawyer Salary in Alaska by Experience

In Alaska, an entry-level lawyer earns around $86,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $272,800 per year. The cost of living index in Alaska is 124% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$86,800
+$16,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$171,120
+$33,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$272,800
+$52,800 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Alaska

Percentile AK Salary
10th Percentile $80,600
25th Percentile $105,400
Median (50th) $168,318
75th Percentile $230,640
90th Percentile $296,608

Lawyer Salary by City in Alaska

The largest employment areas for lawyers in Alaska include Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Sitka. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Lawyer in Alaska

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Alaska has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in Alaska

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Alaska's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Alaska

How much does a Lawyer make in Alaska? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Alaska is $168,318 per year, which is 24.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $80,600 (10th percentile) to $296,608 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Alaska? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $168,318, a lawyer in Alaska earns approximately $81 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Alaska a good state for lawyers? ▼
Alaska ranks #4 out of 50 states for lawyer pay. The cost of living index is 124% of the national average. Entry-level lawyers earn $86,800, while senior professionals earn $272,800.
How does Alaska compare to other states for lawyer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for lawyers is Hawaii at $230,758. Alaska's median of $168,318 ranks #4 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include California ($187,321) and Massachusetts ($183,249).
What is the entry-level lawyer salary in Alaska? ▼
An entry-level lawyer in Alaska earns approximately $86,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $171,120. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $272,800.
What city in Alaska pays lawyers the most? ▼
Juneau is the highest paying city in Alaska for lawyers, with a median salary of $183,249. Other cities include Anchorage and Fairbanks.