Lawyer Salary in Minnesota
Based on 12K+ workers in Minnesota
Median Annual Salary (MN)
$155,140
$74.59/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+15.2% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$80K – $341K
12K employed in Minnesota
Lawyers in Minnesota earn a median salary of $155,140 per year, which is 15% above the national average. With approximately 12,380 legal professionals currently employed in the state, Minnesota's legal market remains robust and competitive. Salaries in the field range significantly from $79,820 to $341,170 annually, reflecting the diversity of legal practice.
Several factors influence lawyer salary in Minnesota, including experience level, practice area specialization, and employer type. Attorneys working in large firms or specialized corporate law typically command higher compensation than those in smaller practices or public service roles. Geographic location within Minnesota, educational background, and professional reputation also play meaningful roles in determining individual earning potential within the state's legal profession.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Minnesota
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,820 |
| 25th percentile | $107,220 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $155,140 |
| 75th percentile | $216,440 |
| 90th percentile | $341,170 |
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 Minnesota 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 Minnesota vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Minnesota) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $137,360 |
| 2023 | $149,990 |
| 2024 | $137,720 |
| 2025 | $155,140 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,448 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Minnesota Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $137,360 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $149,990 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $137,720 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $155,140 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,448 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Minnesota
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,220 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $155,140 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $216,440 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $341,170 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Minnesota
How other high-demand occupations in Minnesota compare to Lawyer ($155,140 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in MN | $75,570 | -51.3% | $36.33/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in MN | $71,070 | -54.2% | $34.17/hr |
| Title Examiner in MN | $58,250 | -62.5% | $28.00/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in MN | $153,770 | -0.9% | $73.93/hr |
| Sales Manager in MN | $151,670 | -2.2% | $72.92/hr |
| Optometrist in MN | $158,700 | +2.3% | $76.30/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in MN | $159,060 | +2.5% | $76.47/hr |
| Pharmacist in MN | $159,740 | +3.0% | $76.80/hr |
| Financial Manager in MN | $163,410 | +5.3% | $78.56/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in MN | $144,810 | -6.7% | $69.62/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MN | $141,190 | -9.0% | $67.88/hr |
| Physicist in MN | $171,220 | +10.4% | $82.32/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Minnesota?
- The median salary for lawyers in Minnesota is $155,140 per year, or $75 per hour. This is 15.2% higher than the national average for lawyers, making Minnesota a competitive market for legal professionals.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Minnesota?
- Lawyer salaries in Minnesota range from $79,820 at the lower end to $341,170 at the higher end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and practice type among the state's 12,380 employed lawyers.
Do lawyers earn more in Minnesota than the national average?
- Yes, lawyers in Minnesota earn 15.2% more than the national average, with a median salary of $155,140 compared to the national median. This makes Minnesota one of the better-paying states for legal professionals.
How many lawyers are working in Minnesota?
- There are approximately 12,380 lawyers currently employed in Minnesota. This represents a substantial legal workforce supporting the state's diverse industries and communities.