Lawyer Salary in Alaska
Based on 1K+ workers in Alaska
Median Annual Salary (AK)
$149,940
$72.09/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+11.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$86K – $282K
1K employed in Alaska
Lawyer salary in Alaska averages $132,710 per year, which is 3% above the national average. With approximately 1,040 lawyers employed across the state, the profession offers competitive compensation. Salaries in this field range from $83,570 at the entry level to $195,830 for experienced practitioners, reflecting the diversity of legal practice areas and career progression.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Alaska, including years of experience, specialization, and employer type. Attorneys working in private practice or for large firms typically earn more than those in government or nonprofit positions. Geographic location within Alaska, caseload complexity, and individual client bases also play significant roles in determining compensation levels throughout the state.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Alaska
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $86,230 |
| 25th percentile | $117,340 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $149,940 |
| 75th percentile | $190,740 |
| 90th percentile | $281,780 |
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 Alaska 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 Alaska vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alaska) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,890 |
| 2023 | $131,760 |
| 2024 | $132,710 |
| 2025 | $149,940 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,936 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alaska Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $109,890 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $131,760 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $132,710 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $149,940 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,936 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Alaska
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $117,340 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $149,940 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $190,740 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $281,780 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Alaska
How other high-demand occupations in Alaska compare to Lawyer ($149,940 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title Examiner in AK | $75,960 | -49.3% | $36.52/hr |
| Paralegal in AK | $68,700 | -54.2% | $33.03/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in AK | $67,580 | -54.9% | $32.49/hr |
| Physician Assistant in AK | $150,700 | +0.5% | $72.45/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in AK | $155,170 | +3.5% | $74.60/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AK | $156,510 | +4.4% | $75.25/hr |
| Construction Manager in AK | $139,190 | -7.2% | $66.92/hr |
| Engineering Manager in AK | $164,260 | +9.6% | $78.97/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in AK | $133,490 | -11.0% | $64.18/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in AK | $133,430 | -11.0% | $64.15/hr |
| Chief Executive Officer in AK | $166,710 | +11.2% | $80.15/hr |
| Dental Hygienist in AK | $132,690 | -11.5% | $63.79/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Alaska?
- The median salary for lawyers in Alaska is $132,710 per year, or $64 per hour. This is 3.3% higher than the national average for lawyers, making Alaska a competitive market for legal professionals.
What is the salary range for lawyers working in Alaska?
- Lawyer salaries in Alaska range from $83,570 at the lower end to $195,830 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and type of legal practice.
Is Alaska's lawyer salary above the national average?
- Yes, Alaska's median lawyer salary of $132,710 per year is 3.3% higher than the national average. This makes Alaska an attractive location for lawyers seeking above-average compensation.
How many lawyers are employed in Alaska?
- There are approximately 1,040 lawyers currently employed in Alaska. This represents the total legal workforce in the state across all practice areas and employment types.