Legal Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Lawyer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median lawyer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $138,455 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$138,455
vs State Avg
+$8,145
vs National
+$2,715
Cost of Living
102%

Lawyer Pay in Philadelphia: What to Expect (2026)

Philadelphia offers a median lawyer salary of $138,455, which is $8,145 above the Pennsylvania state average of $130,310. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia'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 Philadelphia 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. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Lawyer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, 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 Philadelphia, PA

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

Lawyer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

Allentown, PA
$127,596
Pop. 126,092
Pittsburgh, PA
$126,238
Pop. 302,971
Reading, PA
$119,451
Pop. 95,112
Erie, PA
$114,022
Pop. 94,831

How to Become a Lawyer in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Lawyer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open lawyer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Lawyer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 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 Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $138,455, a lawyer in Philadelphia earns approximately $67 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median lawyer salary of $138,455 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $130,310. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $138,455 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Philadelphia 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.