Legal Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Lawyer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median lawyer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $133,025 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$133,025
vs State Avg
$-8,145
vs National
$-2,715
Cost of Living
98%

Lawyer Pay in Chesapeake: What to Expect (2026)

Chesapeake offers a median lawyer salary of $133,025, which is $8,145 below the Virginia state average of $141,170. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $63,700 at the 10th percentile to $234,416 at the 90th percentile — a $170,716 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $68,600, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $215,600. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level lawyer earns around $68,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $215,600 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$68,600
$-1,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$135,240
$-2,760 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$215,600
$-4,400 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $63,700
25th Percentile $83,300
Median (50th) $133,025
75th Percentile $182,280
90th Percentile $234,416

Lawyer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Lawyer Jobs in Chesapeake

Browse open lawyer positions in Chesapeake, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Lawyer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $133,025 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $63,700 (10th percentile) to $234,416 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $133,025, a lawyer in Chesapeake earns approximately $64 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median lawyer salary of $133,025 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $141,170. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $133,025 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Chesapeake 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.