Lawyer Salary in Pennsylvania
Based on 27K+ workers in Pennsylvania
Median Annual Salary (PA)
$157,180
$75.57/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+16.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$77K – $323K
27K employed in Pennsylvania
The median Lawyer salary in Pennsylvania is $157,180 per year, placing it significantly above the national average by 17%. With approximately 27,170 individuals employed in this profession within the state, the data suggests a robust legal market. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with the full range of Lawyer salaries in Pennsylvania falling between $77,100 and $323,370 annually.
Several factors can influence a Lawyer salary in Pennsylvania. Experience level is a primary driver, with more seasoned professionals typically commanding higher compensation. The specific area of law practiced, such as corporate law or criminal defense, also plays a crucial role, as does the size and type of the firm or organization employing the lawyer. Geographic location within Pennsylvania can also contribute to salary variations.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Pennsylvania
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $77,100 |
| 25th percentile | $98,720 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $157,180 |
| 75th percentile | $208,260 |
| 90th percentile | $323,370 |
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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Pennsylvania) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $116,310 |
| 2023 | $130,270 |
| 2024 | $127,940 |
| 2025 | $157,180 |
| 2026 (projected) | $166,611 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Pennsylvania Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $116,310 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $130,270 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $127,940 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $157,180 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $166,611 | $142,795 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Pennsylvania
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,720 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $157,180 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $208,260 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $323,370 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Pennsylvania
How other high-demand occupations in Pennsylvania compare to Lawyer ($157,180 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in PA | $63,370 | -59.7% | $30.47/hr |
| Title Examiner in PA | $52,220 | -66.8% | $25.11/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in PA | $50,590 | -67.8% | $24.32/hr |
| Podiatrist in PA | $155,050 | -1.4% | $74.54/hr |
| Dentist in PA | $163,390 | +4.0% | $78.55/hr |
| Marketing Manager in PA | $150,810 | -4.1% | $72.50/hr |
| Computer and Information Systems Manager in PA | $163,910 | +4.3% | $78.80/hr |
| Engineering Manager in PA | $164,690 | +4.8% | $79.18/hr |
| Airline Pilot in PA | $164,990 | +5.0% | $79.32/hr |
| Financial Manager in PA | $145,610 | -7.4% | $70.00/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in PA | $141,790 | -9.8% | $68.17/hr |
| Pharmacist in PA | $138,160 | -12.1% | $66.42/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a lawyer in Pennsylvania?
- The median salary for lawyers in Pennsylvania is $157,180 per year, which equates to approximately $76 per hour. This figure is 16.7% higher than the national average salary for lawyers.
How much do lawyers in Pennsylvania typically earn?
- The salary range for lawyers in Pennsylvania is quite broad, with most earning between $77,100 and $323,370 annually. The median income for the profession in the state is $157,180 per year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for lawyer salaries compared to the national average?
- Yes, Pennsylvania offers a strong salary outlook for lawyers, with the median salary of $157,180 per year being 16.7% above the national average. This suggests a more lucrative market for legal professionals in the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Pennsylvania?
- Pennsylvania employs a significant number of legal professionals, with a total of 27,170 lawyers working in the state. This workforce contributes to the state's median lawyer salary of $157,180 annually.