Lawyer Salary in Alabama
Based on 7K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$131,970
$63.45/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-2.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$62K – $249K
7K employed in Alabama
Lawyer salary in Alabama averages $127,660 annually, positioning the state just 1% below the national average. With approximately 5,810 legal professionals employed across Alabama, this median reflects competitive compensation for attorneys in the state. Salaries range considerably from $61,190 for entry-level positions to $217,010 for experienced practitioners, indicating significant earning potential as lawyers advance their careers.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Alabama, including years of experience, practice area specialization, and firm size. Attorneys in larger metropolitan areas typically earn more than those in rural regions, while specialized fields such as corporate law command higher compensation than general practice. Additionally, the type of employer—whether private firm, government agency, or in-house counsel—substantially affects earning potential and overall career trajectory.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $62,310 |
| 25th percentile | $82,920 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $131,970 |
| 75th percentile | $181,440 |
| 90th percentile | $249,090 |
Top-Paying Industries for Lawyer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Lawyers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Lawyers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $254,990 | 710 |
| Manufacturing | $236,630 | 5K |
| Information | $230,880 | 11K |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $223,560 | 25K |
| Utilities | $221,400 | 2K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Lawyer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,310 |
| 2023 | $120,890 |
| 2024 | $127,660 |
| 2025 | $131,970 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,426 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $126,310 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $120,890 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $127,660 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $131,970 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $136,426 | $139,260 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $82,920 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $131,970 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $181,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $249,090 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Lawyer ($131,970 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title Examiner in AL | $61,330 | -53.5% | $29.49/hr |
| Paralegal in AL | $47,260 | -64.2% | $22.72/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in AL | $132,570 | +0.5% | $63.74/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in AL | $130,810 | -0.9% | $62.89/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in AL | $130,710 | -1.0% | $62.84/hr |
| Economist in AL | $129,960 | -1.5% | $62.48/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in AL | $134,550 | +2.0% | $64.69/hr |
| Pharmacist in AL | $134,630 | +2.0% | $64.73/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AL | $135,030 | +2.3% | $64.92/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AL | $128,750 | -2.4% | $61.90/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in AL | $127,540 | -3.4% | $61.32/hr |
| Actuary in AL | $136,950 | +3.8% | $65.84/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Alabama?
- Lawyers in Alabama earn a median salary of $127,660 per year, or approximately $61 per hour. This is slightly below the national average by 0.6%, making Alabama a competitive market for legal professionals.
What is the salary range for lawyers working in Alabama?
- The salary range for lawyers in Alabama spans from $61,190 to $217,010 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and employer. This wide range reflects the diversity of legal practice areas and career progression in the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Alabama?
- There are approximately 5,810 lawyers currently employed in Alabama, representing a substantial legal workforce across the state's various practice areas and organizations.
Is a lawyer salary in Alabama competitive compared to the national average?
- Alabama's median lawyer salary of $127,660 is nearly competitive with the national average, sitting just 0.6% below it. This makes Alabama an attractive location for legal careers with comparable compensation to the rest of the country.