Lawyer Salary in Louisiana
Based on 10K+ workers in Louisiana
Median Annual Salary (LA)
$104,100
$50.05/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-22.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $227K
10K employed in Louisiana
Lawyer salary in Louisiana averages $104,100 annually, with approximately 10,200 legal professionals currently employed throughout the state. This median figure sits 23% below the national average for lawyers, reflecting regional economic differences and market conditions. The salary range spans from $50,140 for entry-level positions to $227,230 for experienced practitioners, demonstrating significant earning potential as lawyers advance in their careers.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Louisiana, including years of experience, practice specialization, and employer type. Attorneys in major markets like New Orleans typically earn more than those in rural areas, while specialized fields such as corporate law and intellectual property command higher compensation than general practice. Additionally, law firm size and whether lawyers work in private practice, government, or in-house counsel positions all play substantial roles in determining overall earnings in the state.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Louisiana
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,140 |
| 25th percentile | $76,540 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $104,100 |
| 75th percentile | $159,100 |
| 90th percentile | $227,230 |
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 Louisiana 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 Louisiana vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Louisiana) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,550 |
| 2023 | $118,130 |
| 2024 | $112,600 |
| 2025 | $104,100 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,100 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Louisiana Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $107,550 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $118,130 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $112,600 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $104,100 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $104,100 | $134,712 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Louisiana
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $76,540 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $104,100 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $159,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $227,230 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Louisiana
How other high-demand occupations in Louisiana compare to Lawyer ($104,100 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in LA | $63,180 | -39.3% | $30.38/hr |
| Paralegal in LA | $60,250 | -42.1% | $28.97/hr |
| Title Examiner in LA | $38,470 | -63.0% | $18.50/hr |
| Chemist in LA | $103,890 | -0.2% | $49.95/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in LA | $104,550 | +0.4% | $50.26/hr |
| Civil Engineer in LA | $105,380 | +1.2% | $50.66/hr |
| Software Developer in LA | $102,800 | -1.2% | $49.42/hr |
| General and Operations Manager in LA | $101,790 | -2.2% | $48.94/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in LA | $106,620 | +2.4% | $51.26/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in LA | $107,670 | +3.4% | $51.76/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in LA | $107,880 | +3.6% | $51.87/hr |
| Administrative Services Manager in LA | $99,210 | -4.7% | $47.70/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Louisiana?
- The median salary for lawyers in Louisiana is $104,100 per year, or $50 per hour. This is 22.7% below the national average for lawyers.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Louisiana?
- Lawyer salaries in Louisiana range from $50,140 at the lower end to $227,230 at the higher end, representing significant variation based on experience and specialization.
Is lawyer pay in Louisiana lower than the national average?
- Yes, lawyers in Louisiana earn 22.7% less than the national average, with a median of $104,100 compared to the higher national median salary.
How many lawyers are employed in Louisiana?
- There are approximately 10,200 lawyers currently employed in Louisiana.