Legal Washington (WA) Rank #7 of 50

Lawyer Salary in Washington

The median lawyer salary in Washington 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
#7 of 50
Cost of Living
115%

Lawyer Salary in Washington by Experience

In Washington, an entry-level lawyer earns around $80,500, while experienced professionals earn up to $253,000 per year. The cost of living index in Washington 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 Washington

Percentile WA 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 Washington

The largest employment areas for lawyers in Washington include Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma, and Bellevue. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Lawyer in Washington

Education

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

Key Skills

Legal ResearchLitigationContract LawNegotiationWestlaw/LexisNexisOral Advocacy

Job Outlook in Washington

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