Legal Arizona (AZ) Rank #19 of 50

Lawyer Salary in Arizona

The median lawyer salary in Arizona is $131,668 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary
$131,668
vs National
$-4,072
State Rank
#19 of 50
Cost of Living
97%

Lawyer Salary Overview in Arizona (2026)

Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for lawyer compensation. Arizona falls in the middle of the pack for lawyer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $131,668 per year, lawyers in Arizona earn $4,072 less than the national median of $135,740.

Arizona's cost of living is near the national average at 97%, meaning lawyer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Arizona is significant: lawyers at the 10th percentile earn $63,050, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $232,024 — a $168,974 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arizona for this role is Scottsdale, where the median reaches $152,029.

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 Arizona by Experience

In Arizona, an entry-level lawyer earns around $67,900, while experienced professionals earn up to $213,400 per year. The cost of living index in Arizona is 97% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,900
$-2,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,860
$-4,140 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$213,400
$-6,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arizona

Percentile AZ Salary
10th Percentile $63,050
25th Percentile $82,450
Median (50th) $131,668
75th Percentile $180,420
90th Percentile $232,024

Lawyer Salary by City in Arizona

The largest employment areas for lawyers in Arizona include Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Lawyer in Arizona

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in Arizona

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Arizona

How much does a Lawyer make in Arizona? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Arizona is $131,668 per year, which is 3% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $63,050 (10th percentile) to $232,024 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Arizona? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $131,668, a lawyer in Arizona earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arizona a good state for lawyers? ▼
Arizona ranks #19 out of 50 states for lawyer pay. The cost of living index is 97% of the national average. Entry-level lawyers earn $67,900, while senior professionals earn $213,400.
How does Arizona compare to other states for lawyer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for lawyers is Hawaii at $230,758. Arizona's median of $131,668 ranks #19 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Florida ($133,025) and Maine ($133,025).
What is the entry-level lawyer salary in Arizona? ▼
An entry-level lawyer in Arizona earns approximately $67,900 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $133,860. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $213,400.
What city in Arizona pays lawyers the most? ▼
Scottsdale is the highest paying city in Arizona for lawyers, with a median salary of $152,029. Other cities include Phoenix and Tucson.