Lawyer Salary in Missouri
Based on 12K+ workers in Missouri
Median Annual Salary (MO)
$133,450
$64.16/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-0.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$67K – $300K
12K employed in Missouri
Understanding Lawyer salary in Missouri reveals a median annual earning of $133,450, positioning it slightly below the national average by 1%. This figure represents the midpoint for legal professionals in the state, with the broader salary range spanning from $67,020 to $299,990, reflecting a considerable variation in compensation. Currently, approximately 11,560 individuals are employed in legal professions across Missouri.
Factors influencing Lawyer salary in Missouri are diverse and include years of experience, specialization within law (such as corporate, criminal, or family law), and the specific geographic location within the state. The size and type of the employing firm, whether a large metropolitan firm or a smaller private practice, also play a significant role in determining an individual's earning potential in this competitive field.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Missouri
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $67,020 |
| 25th percentile | $89,900 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $133,450 |
| 75th percentile | $197,110 |
| 90th percentile | $299,990 |
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 Missouri 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 Missouri vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Missouri) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $112,080 |
| 2023 | $104,500 |
| 2024 | $124,210 |
| 2025 | $133,450 |
| 2026 (projected) | $141,457 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Missouri Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $112,080 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $104,500 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $124,210 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $133,450 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $141,457 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Missouri
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $89,900 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $133,450 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $197,110 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $299,990 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Missouri
How other high-demand occupations in Missouri compare to Lawyer ($133,450 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in MO | $66,060 | -50.5% | $31.76/hr |
| Paralegal in MO | $61,410 | -54.0% | $29.52/hr |
| Title Examiner in MO | $48,190 | -63.9% | $23.17/hr |
| Optometrist in MO | $133,810 | +0.3% | $64.33/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in MO | $132,100 | -1.0% | $63.51/hr |
| Physician Assistant in MO | $135,130 | +1.3% | $64.97/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in MO | $130,680 | -2.1% | $62.83/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in MO | $130,680 | -2.1% | $62.83/hr |
| Marketing Manager in MO | $130,550 | -2.2% | $62.76/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in MO | $130,220 | -2.4% | $62.61/hr |
| Podiatrist in MO | $129,950 | -2.6% | $62.48/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in MO | $129,930 | -2.6% | $62.47/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a lawyer in Missouri?
- The median salary for lawyers in Missouri is $133,450 per year, which averages out to $64 per hour. This median figure indicates that half of all lawyers in the state earn more than this amount, while the other half earn less.
How does the lawyer salary in Missouri compare to the national average?
- Lawyers in Missouri earn slightly less than the national average, with their salaries being 0.9% lower. This means the typical Missouri lawyer's earnings are a bit below the national median for the profession.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Missouri?
- The salary range for lawyers in Missouri is quite broad, spanning from $67,020 on the lower end to a high of $299,990 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, practice area, and location within the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Missouri?
- There are approximately 11,560 lawyers employed in Missouri. This number represents the total workforce of legal professionals practicing within the state.