Lawyer Salary in New York
Based on 92K+ workers in New York
Median Annual Salary (NY)
$207,860
$99.93/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+54.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$85K – $391K
92K employed in New York
The Lawyer salary in New York presents a compelling financial landscape, with the median annual income standing at an impressive $207,860. This figure significantly outpaces the national average by 54%, highlighting the lucrative potential for legal professionals in the Empire State. With an estimated 91,870 lawyers employed, New York clearly remains a hub for the legal profession.
Factors contributing to this robust Lawyer salary in New York are diverse. Experience level, specialization within the legal field, the size and prestige of the firm, and the specific geographic location within New York (e.g., New York City versus upstate) all play crucial roles in determining an individual's earning potential. The broad salary range of $85,200 to $391,420 reflects these varied influences.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in New York
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $85,200 |
| 25th percentile | $127,580 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $207,860 |
| 75th percentile | $322,120 |
| 90th percentile | $391,420 |
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 York 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 York vs National
| Year | Median Salary (New York) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $172,880 |
| 2023 | $179,650 |
| 2024 | $177,210 |
| 2025 | $207,860 |
| 2026 (projected) | $220,332 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | New York Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $172,880 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $179,650 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $177,210 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $207,860 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $220,332 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in New York
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $127,580 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $207,860 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $322,120 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $391,420 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in New York
How other high-demand occupations in New York compare to Lawyer ($207,860 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in NY | $133,320 | -35.9% | $64.10/hr |
| Paralegal in NY | $68,410 | -67.1% | $32.89/hr |
| Title Examiner in NY | $61,380 | -70.5% | $29.51/hr |
| Family Medicine Physician in NY | $210,920 | +1.5% | $101.40/hr |
| Pediatrician in NY | $212,150 | +2.1% | $102.00/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in NY | $214,300 | +3.1% | $103.03/hr |
| Sales Manager in NY | $217,640 | +4.7% | $104.63/hr |
| Financial Manager in NY | $219,880 | +5.8% | $105.71/hr |
| Internal Medicine Physician in NY | $183,460 | -11.7% | $88.20/hr |
| Dentist in NY | $183,060 | -11.9% | $88.01/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in NY | $181,990 | -12.4% | $87.50/hr |
| Physicist in NY | $181,970 | -12.5% | $87.49/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a lawyer typically earn in New York?
- The median salary for a lawyer in New York is $207,860 per year, which is equivalent to about $100 per hour. Most lawyers in New York can expect to earn between $85,200 and $391,420 annually.
What is the salary difference for lawyers in New York compared to the national average?
- Lawyers in New York earn significantly more than the national average. The median salary in New York is 54.3% higher than the national median.
What is the highest and lowest salary a lawyer can expect in New York?
- The salary range for lawyers in New York is quite broad. The lowest reported salary is $85,200, while the highest earners can make up to $391,420 per year.
How many lawyers are employed in New York?
- There are a substantial number of legal professionals practicing in New York. The total number of employed lawyers in the state is 91,870.