Lawyer Salary in Washington
Based on 13K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$154,130
$74.10/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
+14.4% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$94K – $298K
13K employed in Washington
The median Lawyer salary in Washington is an impressive $154,130 annually, significantly exceeding the national average by 14%. With approximately 12,770 legal professionals employed in the state, this indicates a robust job market for lawyers within Washington, offering a promising financial outlook for those in the profession.
Factors influencing Lawyer salary in Washington are diverse. Experience level plays a crucial role, with senior attorneys commanding higher figures than those just starting out. Furthermore, specialization within law, the size and type of firm, and geographic location within the state all contribute to the wide salary range observed, from $94,260 to $298,210.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $94,260 |
| 25th percentile | $111,080 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $154,130 |
| 75th percentile | $205,130 |
| 90th percentile | $298,210 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,230 |
| 2024 | $151,950 |
| 2025 | $154,130 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,341 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $131,230 | $116,457 |
| 2024 | $151,950 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $154,130 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $156,341 | $136,645 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $111,080 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $154,130 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $205,130 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $298,210 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Lawyer ($154,130 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judicial Law Clerk in WA | $80,240 | -47.9% | $38.58/hr |
| Paralegal in WA | $79,400 | -48.5% | $38.17/hr |
| Title Examiner in WA | $66,440 | -56.9% | $31.94/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in WA | $154,940 | +0.5% | $74.49/hr |
| Construction Manager in WA | $155,070 | +0.6% | $74.55/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in WA | $156,100 | +1.3% | $75.05/hr |
| Optometrist in WA | $157,560 | +2.2% | $75.75/hr |
| Aerospace Engineer in WA | $158,370 | +2.8% | $76.14/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in WA | $158,970 | +3.1% | $76.43/hr |
| Public Relations Manager in WA | $159,440 | +3.4% | $76.65/hr |
| Veterinarian in WA | $160,510 | +4.1% | $77.17/hr |
| Pharmacist in WA | $160,610 | +4.2% | $77.22/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for a lawyer in Washington?
- The median salary for lawyers in Washington is $154,130 per year, which is equivalent to $74 per hour. This figure is 14.4% higher than the national average for this profession.
How much can a lawyer in Washington expect to earn?
- The typical salary range for lawyers in Washington falls between $94,260 and $298,210 annually. The median salary sits at $154,130 per year, offering a solid benchmark for earning potential.
Is Washington a good state for lawyer salaries compared to the rest of the US?
- Yes, Washington offers a higher than average salary for lawyers. The median salary of $154,130 per year is 14.4% above the national median, indicating strong earning potential in the state.
How many lawyers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 12,770 lawyers currently employed in Washington state. This indicates a substantial legal job market within the state.