Lawyer Salary in Colorado
Based on 17K+ workers in Colorado
Median Annual Salary (CO)
$168,520
$81.02/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+25.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$83K – $337K
17K employed in Colorado
Lawyer salary in Colorado averages $168,520 annually, positioning the state well above national benchmarks. With approximately 16,720 legal professionals currently employed across Colorado, the field remains competitive and robust. Salaries in this market range from $83,350 to $336,970, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career progression.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Colorado, including years of experience, practice area specialization, and firm size. Attorneys in corporate law or specialized fields typically earn more than those in public service or smaller practices. Geographic location within the state, educational background, and client base also play meaningful roles in determining compensation levels.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Colorado
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $83,350 |
| 25th percentile | $107,420 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $168,520 |
| 75th percentile | $233,910 |
| 90th percentile | $336,970 |
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 Colorado 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 Colorado vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Colorado) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,280 |
| 2023 | $166,570 |
| 2024 | $167,970 |
| 2025 | $168,520 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,072 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Colorado Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,280 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $166,570 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $167,970 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $168,520 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $169,072 | $135,153 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,420 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $168,520 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $233,910 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $336,970 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Colorado
How other high-demand occupations in Colorado compare to Lawyer ($168,520 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in CO | $78,190 | -53.6% | $37.59/hr |
| Title Examiner in CO | $77,600 | -54.0% | $37.31/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in CO | $67,230 | -60.1% | $32.32/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in CO | $166,400 | -1.3% | $80.00/hr |
| Dentist in CO | $166,240 | -1.4% | $79.92/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in CO | $171,250 | +1.6% | $82.33/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in CO | $172,190 | +2.2% | $82.78/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in CO | $162,870 | -3.4% | $78.30/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in CO | $157,000 | -6.8% | $75.48/hr |
| Sales Manager in CO | $180,850 | +7.3% | $86.95/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in CO | $156,190 | -7.3% | $75.09/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in CO | $156,080 | -7.4% | $75.04/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Colorado?
- The median salary for lawyers in Colorado is $168,520 per year, or $81 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, with Colorado lawyers earning 25.1% more than their peers nationwide.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Colorado?
- Lawyer salaries in Colorado range from a low of $83,350 to a high of $336,970 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and firm size across the state's legal market.
Is Colorado a good state for lawyer salaries?
- Yes, Colorado offers competitive lawyer salaries, with the median at $168,520 annually—25.1% higher than the national average. This makes Colorado one of the better states for legal professionals seeking strong compensation.
How many lawyers are employed in Colorado?
- There are approximately 16,720 lawyers employed in Colorado. This represents a substantial legal market with steady demand for legal professionals across various practice areas.