Lawyer Salary in Massachusetts
Based on 24K+ workers in Massachusetts
Median Annual Salary (MA)
$176,680
$84.94/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+31.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$82K – $374K
24K employed in Massachusetts
Lawyers practicing in Massachusetts earn a median salary of $176,680 annually, positioning the state among the most lucrative legal markets in the country. With approximately 23,560 lawyers employed across the state, Massachusetts offers competitive compensation that exceeds the national average by 31%. Salaries in the field range from $82,100 to $374,410, reflecting significant variation based on individual circumstances and career paths.
Lawyer salary in Massachusetts is influenced by several key factors, including years of experience, legal specialization, and employer type. Attorneys working at large Boston-based firms typically command higher salaries than those in solo practice or smaller regional offices. Additionally, specific practice areas such as corporate law and intellectual property tend to pay more than public interest or government positions, and geographic location within the state can also impact earning potential.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Massachusetts
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $82,100 |
| 25th percentile | $119,960 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $176,680 |
| 75th percentile | $282,080 |
| 90th percentile | $374,410 |
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 Massachusetts 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 Massachusetts vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Massachusetts) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $161,530 |
| 2023 | $148,370 |
| 2024 | $179,050 |
| 2025 | $176,680 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,680 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Massachusetts Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $161,530 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $148,370 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $179,050 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $176,680 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,680 | $134,712 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Massachusetts
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $119,960 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $176,680 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $282,080 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $374,410 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Massachusetts
How other high-demand occupations in Massachusetts compare to Lawyer ($176,680 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in MA | $143,350 | -18.9% | $68.92/hr |
| Paralegal in MA | $77,640 | -56.1% | $37.33/hr |
| Title Examiner in MA | $69,100 | -60.9% | $33.22/hr |
| Dentist in MA | $181,600 | +2.8% | $87.31/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in MA | $171,740 | -2.8% | $82.57/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in MA | $181,780 | +2.9% | $87.39/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in MA | $170,750 | -3.4% | $82.09/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in MA | $170,510 | -3.5% | $81.98/hr |
| Computer Hardware Engineer in MA | $167,600 | -5.1% | $80.58/hr |
| Software Developer in MA | $165,210 | -6.5% | $79.43/hr |
| Sales Manager in MA | $191,200 | +8.2% | $91.92/hr |
| Database Administrator in MA | $161,650 | -8.5% | $77.72/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Massachusetts?
- The median salary for lawyers in Massachusetts is $176,680 per year, or $85 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 31.2% premium for practicing law in the state.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Massachusetts?
- Lawyer salaries in Massachusetts range from $82,100 at the lower end to $374,410 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and firm size across the state's legal market.
How many lawyers are employed in Massachusetts?
- There are approximately 23,560 lawyers currently employed in Massachusetts. This represents a substantial legal workforce supporting the state's courts, businesses, and residents.
Is Massachusetts a good state for lawyer salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Massachusetts offers significantly higher lawyer salaries than the national average, with the median of $176,680 being 31.2% above the national median. This makes it one of the more lucrative states for legal professionals.