Legal Atlanta, GA Pop. 498,715

Lawyer Salary in Atlanta, Georgia

The median lawyer salary in Atlanta, GA is $138,455 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 9.7% above the Georgia state average.

City Median
$138,455
vs State Avg
+$12,217
vs National
+$2,715
Cost of Living
102%

Lawyer Pay in Atlanta: What to Expect (2026)

Atlanta offers a median lawyer salary of $138,455, which is $12,217 above the Georgia state average of $126,238. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Atlanta pays above average for this role.

Atlanta's cost of living is 102% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for lawyers in Atlanta spans from $66,300 at the 10th percentile to $243,984 at the 90th percentile — a $177,684 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $71,400, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $224,400. With a population of 498,715, Atlanta is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Atlanta by Experience

In Atlanta, an entry-level lawyer earns around $71,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $224,400 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$71,400
+$1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$140,760
+$2,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$224,400
+$4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Atlanta, GA

Percentile Atlanta
10th Percentile $66,300
25th Percentile $86,700
Median (50th) $138,455
75th Percentile $189,720
90th Percentile $243,984

Lawyer Salary in Other Georgia Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Atlanta

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia 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 Atlanta may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Atlanta

Browse open lawyer positions in Atlanta, GA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Atlanta

How much does a Lawyer make in Atlanta, GA? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Atlanta, Georgia is $138,455 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $66,300 (10th percentile) to $243,984 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Atlanta? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $138,455, a lawyer in Atlanta earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Atlanta compare to the Georgia state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Atlanta's median lawyer salary of $138,455 is 9.7% above the Georgia state average of $126,238. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Atlanta, GA? ▼
Atlanta has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $138,455 in Atlanta has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Atlanta? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Atlanta 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.