Lawyer Salary in Maryland
Based on 14K+ workers in Maryland
Median Annual Salary (MD)
$139,110
$66.88/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+3.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $269K
14K employed in Maryland
Lawyer salary in Maryland averages $139,110 per year, positioning the state slightly above the national average at 3% higher. With approximately 13,810 legal professionals employed across the state, Maryland offers competitive compensation within the legal field. Salaries in the state range from $81,730 to $269,020 annually, reflecting the considerable variation in earning potential based on individual circumstances.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Maryland, including years of experience, area of practice specialization, and employer type. Attorneys working in major metropolitan areas like Baltimore tend to earn more than those in smaller markets. Additionally, lawyers at large firms or in corporate settings typically command higher salaries than those in solo practice or public service roles, while experience level remains one of the strongest predictors of compensation growth.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Maryland
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $81,730 |
| 25th percentile | $102,270 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $139,110 |
| 75th percentile | $185,220 |
| 90th percentile | $269,020 |
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 Maryland 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 Maryland vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Maryland) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,290 |
| 2023 | $134,410 |
| 2024 | $143,490 |
| 2025 | $139,110 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,110 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Maryland Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,290 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $134,410 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $143,490 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $139,110 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $139,110 | $134,712 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Maryland
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $102,270 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $139,110 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $185,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $269,020 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Maryland
How other high-demand occupations in Maryland compare to Lawyer ($139,110 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in MD | $70,110 | -49.6% | $33.71/hr |
| Paralegal in MD | $65,640 | -52.8% | $31.56/hr |
| Title Examiner in MD | $55,460 | -60.1% | $26.66/hr |
| Pharmacist in MD | $138,990 | -0.1% | $66.82/hr |
| Software Developer in MD | $138,680 | -0.3% | $66.67/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in MD | $139,640 | +0.4% | $67.13/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MD | $140,120 | +0.7% | $67.37/hr |
| Materials Engineer in MD | $140,640 | +1.1% | $67.62/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MD | $137,560 | -1.1% | $66.13/hr |
| Chemist in MD | $140,670 | +1.1% | $67.63/hr |
| Sales Manager in MD | $137,150 | -1.4% | $65.94/hr |
| Data Scientist in MD | $136,370 | -2.0% | $65.56/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Maryland?
- The median salary for lawyers in Maryland is $139,110 per year, or $67 per hour. This is 3.3% higher than the national average for lawyers, making Maryland a competitive market for legal professionals.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Maryland?
- Lawyer salaries in Maryland range from $81,730 at the lower end to $269,020 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and type of legal practice.
How many lawyers are employed in Maryland?
- There are currently 13,810 lawyers employed in Maryland. This represents a substantial legal workforce in the state.
Is being a lawyer in Maryland better paid than the national average?
- Yes, Maryland lawyers earn 3.3% more than the national average, with a median salary of $139,110 compared to the U.S. average. This makes Maryland one of the better-paying states for legal professionals.