Lawyer Salary in New Jersey
Based on 23K+ workers in New Jersey
Median Annual Salary (NJ)
$161,430
$77.61/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+19.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$94K – $328K
23K employed in New Jersey
Discovering the Lawyer salary in New Jersey reveals a robust earning potential. The median annual salary stands at an impressive $161,430, significantly exceeding the national average by 20%. This thriving legal market employs approximately 23,160 legal professionals, indicating strong demand for their expertise across the state.
Several factors influence Lawyer salary in New Jersey. Experience level is a primary driver, with more seasoned attorneys commanding higher compensation. Additionally, specialization within the legal field, the size and prestige of the law firm, and the specific geographic location within New Jersey can all contribute to variations in salary, ranging from $93,810 to over $328,270.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in New Jersey
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $93,810 |
| 25th percentile | $116,060 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $161,430 |
| 75th percentile | $220,100 |
| 90th percentile | $328,270 |
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 New Jersey 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 New Jersey vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New Jersey) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $138,630 |
| 2023 | $151,170 |
| 2024 | $158,470 |
| 2025 | $161,430 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,445 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New Jersey Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $138,630 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $151,170 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $158,470 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $161,430 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $164,445 | $137,228 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in New Jersey
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $116,060 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $161,430 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $220,100 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $328,270 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in New Jersey
How other high-demand occupations in New Jersey compare to Lawyer ($161,430 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in NJ | $71,500 | -55.7% | $34.38/hr |
| Title Examiner in NJ | $61,930 | -61.6% | $29.77/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in NJ | $58,890 | -63.5% | $28.31/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in NJ | $160,540 | -0.6% | $77.18/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in NJ | $162,350 | +0.6% | $78.05/hr |
| Podiatrist in NJ | $160,300 | -0.7% | $77.07/hr |
| Veterinarian in NJ | $160,140 | -0.8% | $76.99/hr |
| Physicist in NJ | $163,270 | +1.1% | $78.50/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in NJ | $159,310 | -1.3% | $76.59/hr |
| Optometrist in NJ | $159,040 | -1.5% | $76.46/hr |
| Personal Financial Advisor in NJ | $158,570 | -1.8% | $76.24/hr |
| Physician Assistant in NJ | $165,690 | +2.6% | $79.66/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a lawyer in New Jersey?
- The median salary for a lawyer in New Jersey is $161,430 per year, which equates to approximately $78 per hour. This figure indicates a strong earning potential for legal professionals in the state.
How does lawyer salary in New Jersey compare to the national average?
- Lawyers in New Jersey earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 19.8% higher. This suggests that the New Jersey legal market offers more lucrative opportunities compared to other parts of the country.
What is the salary range for lawyers in New Jersey?
- The salary range for lawyers in New Jersey is quite broad, with most earning between $93,810 and $328,270 annually. This wide range reflects variations in experience, specialization, and firm size.
How many lawyers are employed in New Jersey?
- There are a substantial number of legal professionals working in New Jersey, with a total of 23,160 lawyers employed. This indicates a robust job market for those in the legal field within the state.