Legal New Jersey (NJ) Rank #6 of 50

Lawyer Salary in New Jersey

The median lawyer salary in New Jersey is $156,101 per year, which is 15.0% above the national median of $135,740.

Median Salary
$156,101
vs National
+$20,361
State Rank
#6 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Lawyer Salary in New Jersey by Experience

In New Jersey, an entry-level lawyer earns around $80,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $253,000 per year. The cost of living index in New Jersey is 115% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$80,500
+$10,500 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$158,700
+$20,700 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$253,000
+$33,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in New Jersey

Percentile NJ Salary
10th Percentile $74,750
25th Percentile $97,750
Median (50th) $156,101
75th Percentile $213,900
90th Percentile $275,080

Lawyer Salary by City in New Jersey

The largest employment areas for lawyers in New Jersey include Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, and Elizabeth. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Lawyer in New Jersey

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in New Jersey

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