Lawyer Salary in Virginia
Based on 19K+ workers in Virginia
Median Annual Salary (VA)
$167,210
$80.39/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+24.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $320K
19K employed in Virginia
Discover the current landscape of Lawyer salary in Virginia, where the median annual income stands at an impressive $167,210. This figure represents a significant advantage, with Virginia lawyers earning approximately 24% more than the national average. With 18,580 legal professionals employed across the state, this data offers valuable insights into the earning potential within this vital profession.
Several factors contribute to the variance in Lawyer salary in Virginia, with experience playing a crucial role. Additionally, the specific area of legal specialization, such as corporate law or criminal defense, along with the size and prestige of the firm, can greatly influence compensation. Geographic location within Virginia, from metropolitan hubs to more rural areas, also impacts salary expectations for legal practitioners.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Virginia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,330 |
| 25th percentile | $107,710 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $167,210 |
| 75th percentile | $207,480 |
| 90th percentile | $320,220 |
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 Virginia 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 Virginia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Virginia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $141,430 |
| 2023 | $159,550 |
| 2024 | $157,980 |
| 2025 | $167,210 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,979 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Virginia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $141,430 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $159,550 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $157,980 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $167,210 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $176,979 | $142,583 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Virginia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $107,710 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $167,210 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $207,480 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $320,220 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Virginia
How other high-demand occupations in Virginia compare to Lawyer ($167,210 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in VA | $65,940 | -60.6% | $31.70/hr |
| Paralegal in VA | $63,990 | -61.7% | $30.76/hr |
| Title Examiner in VA | $54,230 | -67.6% | $26.07/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in VA | $166,230 | -0.6% | $79.92/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in VA | $165,980 | -0.7% | $79.80/hr |
| Database Administrator in VA | $160,360 | -4.1% | $77.10/hr |
| Engineering Manager in VA | $176,160 | +5.4% | $84.69/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in VA | $176,340 | +5.5% | $84.78/hr |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist in VA | $157,390 | -5.9% | $75.67/hr |
| Financial Manager in VA | $185,220 | +10.8% | $89.05/hr |
| Marketing Manager in VA | $187,820 | +12.3% | $90.30/hr |
| Physicist in VA | $145,040 | -13.3% | $69.73/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the typical salary for a lawyer in Virginia?
- The median salary for lawyers in Virginia is $167,210 per year, which breaks down to approximately $80 per hour. This median figure means half of lawyers in the state earn more, and half earn less.
How does the salary for lawyers in Virginia compare to the national average?
- Lawyers in Virginia earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 24.1% higher. This means the typical Virginia lawyer's income of $167,210 per year is substantially above the national median.
What is the salary range for lawyers working in Virginia?
- The salary range for lawyers in Virginia spans from $79,330 for entry-level or lower-paid positions to $320,220 for those in the highest earning brackets. The median salary of $167,210 falls within this broad spectrum.
How many lawyers are employed in Virginia?
- There are approximately 18,580 lawyers employed in Virginia. This substantial number indicates a robust legal market within the state.