Lawyers pay in California
The employment-weighted average of local median wages for Lawyers in California is $199,746, based on 90,200 workers. Among the 22 states with published data, that ranks number 3. The BLS national median for the occupation is $159,670, so California averages 25.1% above it.
Inside California, pay depends on the labor market. The highest local median is $212,500 in the San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA area and the lowest is $178,220 in San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA, a difference of $34,280 across 4 wage areas.
Cost of living for Lawyers in California
We compare 12 California counties after federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics: a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline. Alameda County, CA leaves the largest yearly margin, $105,589. San Diego County, CA leaves the smallest, $82,794. The median wage covers all four basics in 12 of the 12 counties.
Lawyers in other states
The states with the highest average local median wages for Lawyers are New York ($200,114), New Jersey ($200,092), District of Columbia ($195,190) and West Virginia ($190,109).
Frequently asked questions: Lawyers in California
How much do Lawyers earn in California?
The employment-weighted average of local median wages is $199,746, from $178,220 to $212,500 depending on the labor market.
Which California county is best for Lawyers?
Alameda County, CA leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes and the four basics ($105,589). Contra Costa County, CA follows at $105,589.