Legal Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

Lawyer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median lawyer salary in Denver, CO is $152,029 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 6.7% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$152,029
vs State Avg
+$9,502
vs National
+$16,289
Cost of Living
112%

Lawyer Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median lawyer salary of $152,029, which is $9,502 above the Colorado state average of $142,527. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $152,029 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $135,740. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for lawyers in Denver spans from $72,800 at the 10th percentile to $267,904 at the 90th percentile — a $195,104 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,400, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $246,400. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Lawyer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level lawyer earns around $78,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $246,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,400
+$8,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$154,560
+$16,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$246,400
+$26,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $72,800
25th Percentile $95,200
Median (50th) $152,029
75th Percentile $208,320
90th Percentile $267,904

Lawyer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

Boulder, CO
$173,747
Pop. 105,673
Fort Collins, CO
$143,884
Pop. 169,810
Aurora, CO
$142,527
Pop. 386,261
Colorado Springs, CO
$135,740
Pop. 478,961

How to Become a Lawyer in Denver

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook

Nationally, lawyer employment is projected to grow 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Denver

Browse open lawyer positions in Denver, CO:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Denver

How much does a Lawyer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Denver, Colorado is $152,029 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $72,800 (10th percentile) to $267,904 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $152,029, a lawyer in Denver earns approximately $73 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Denver's median lawyer salary of $152,029 is 6.7% above the Colorado state average of $142,527. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $152,029 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Denver? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Denver require a doctoral degree. Key skills include Legal Research, Litigation, Contract Law, Negotiation. The job market is projected to grow 8% nationally over the next decade.