Legal Richmond, VA Pop. 226,610

Lawyer Salary in Richmond, Virginia

The median lawyer salary in Richmond, VA is $135,740 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median and 3.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$135,740
vs State Avg
$-5,430
vs National
+$0
Cost of Living
100%

Lawyer Pay in Richmond: What to Expect (2026)

Richmond offers a median lawyer salary of $135,740, which is $5,430 below the Virginia state average of $141,170. Compared to the national median of $135,740, Richmond pays above average for this role.

Richmond's cost of living is 100% 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 Richmond spans from $65,000 at the 10th percentile to $239,200 at the 90th percentile — a $174,200 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,000, while senior lawyers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $220,000. With a population of 226,610, Richmond is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Lawyer Salary in Richmond by Experience

In Richmond, an entry-level lawyer earns around $70,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $220,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,000
+$0 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$138,000
+$0 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$220,000
+$0 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Richmond, VA

Percentile Richmond
10th Percentile $65,000
25th Percentile $85,000
Median (50th) $135,740
75th Percentile $186,000
90th Percentile $239,200

Lawyer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Lawyer in Richmond

Education

Most lawyer positions require a doctoral degree. Richmond 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 Richmond may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Lawyer Jobs in Richmond

Browse open lawyer positions in Richmond, VA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Lawyer Salary in Richmond

How much does a Lawyer make in Richmond, VA? ▼
The median lawyer salary in Richmond, Virginia is $135,740 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $135,740. Salaries range from $65,000 (10th percentile) to $239,200 (90th percentile).
How much does a Lawyer make per hour in Richmond? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $135,740, a lawyer in Richmond earns approximately $65 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Richmond compare to the Virginia state average for lawyer pay? ▼
Richmond's median lawyer salary of $135,740 is 3.8% below the Virginia state average of $141,170. The local cost of living index is 100% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Richmond, VA? ▼
Richmond has a cost of living index of 100% compared to the national average. This means a lawyer salary of $135,740 in Richmond has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a lawyer in Richmond? ▼
Most lawyer positions in Richmond 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.