Legal Minneapolis, MN Pop. 429,954

Lawyer Salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota

The median lawyer salary in Minneapolis, MN is $142,527 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median and 8.2% above the Minnesota state average.

City Median
$142,527
vs State Avg
+$10,859
vs National
+$6,787
Cost of Living
105%

Lawyer Pay in Minneapolis: What to Expect (2026)

Minneapolis offers a median lawyer salary of $142,527, which is $10,859 above the Minnesota state average of $131,668. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Minneapolis pays above average for this role.

Minneapolis's cost of living is 105% 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 Minneapolis spans from $68,250 at the 10th percentile to $251,160 at the 90th percentile — a $182,910 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $73,500, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $231,000. With a population of 429,954, Minneapolis is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Minneapolis by Experience

In Minneapolis, an entry-level lawyer earns around $73,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $231,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$73,500
+$3,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$144,900
+$6,900 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$231,000
+$11,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Minneapolis, MN

Percentile Minneapolis
10th Percentile $68,250
25th Percentile $89,250
Median (50th) $142,527
75th Percentile $195,300
90th Percentile $251,160

Lawyer Salary in Other Minnesota Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Minneapolis

Education

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

Find Lawyer Jobs in Minneapolis

Browse open lawyer positions in Minneapolis, MN:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Minneapolis

How much does a Lawyer make in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Minneapolis, Minnesota is $142,527 per year, which is 5.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $68,250 (10th percentile) to $251,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Minneapolis? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $142,527, a lawyer in Minneapolis earns approximately $69 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Minneapolis compare to the Minnesota state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Minneapolis's median lawyer salary of $142,527 is 8.2% above the Minnesota state average of $131,668. The local cost of living index is 105% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Minneapolis, MN? ▼
Minneapolis has a cost of living index of 105% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $142,527 in Minneapolis has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Minneapolis? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Minneapolis 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.