Lawyer Salary in Wisconsin
Based on 9K+ workers in Wisconsin
Median Annual Salary (WI)
$126,760
$60.94/hr
vs National Average
$134,712
-5.9% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$76K – $362K
9K employed in Wisconsin
Understanding the Lawyer salary in Wisconsin reveals a median annual income of $126,760. This figure falls 6% below the national average, with the state employing approximately 9,160 legal professionals. The salary range for lawyers in Wisconsin is quite broad, extending from $76,010 to $362,040 annually, indicating significant variation in earning potential.
Several factors contribute to the variance in Lawyer salary in Wisconsin. Experience level, specialization within law (such as corporate, criminal, or family law), the size and type of law firm, and geographic location within the state all play a crucial role. The specific skills and client base a lawyer cultivates also significantly influence their compensation in this competitive legal market.
Salary Distribution — Lawyer in Wisconsin
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $76,010 |
| 25th percentile | $94,890 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $126,760 |
| 75th percentile | $198,270 |
| 90th percentile | $362,040 |
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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Wisconsin) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,560 |
| 2023 | $105,050 |
| 2024 | $119,970 |
| 2025 | $126,760 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,934 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Wisconsin Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $104,560 | $116,457 |
| 2023 | $105,050 | $126,734 |
| 2024 | $119,970 | $128,445 |
| 2025 | $126,760 | $134,712 |
| 2026 (projected) | $133,934 | $142,336 |
Lawyer Salary by Experience Level in Wisconsin
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $94,890 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $126,760 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $198,270 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $362,040 |
Lawyer Salary in Other States
Related Lawyer Salaries in Wisconsin
How other high-demand occupations in Wisconsin compare to Lawyer ($126,760 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Lawyer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paralegal in WI | $58,500 | -53.8% | $28.13/hr |
| Judicial Law Clerk in WI | $54,250 | -57.2% | $26.08/hr |
| Title Examiner in WI | $48,070 | -62.1% | $23.11/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in WI | $128,320 | +1.2% | $61.69/hr |
| Purchasing Manager in WI | $124,990 | -1.4% | $60.09/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in WI | $123,640 | -2.5% | $59.44/hr |
| Software Developer in WI | $122,660 | -3.2% | $58.97/hr |
| Actuary in WI | $131,640 | +3.8% | $63.29/hr |
| Computer Network Architect in WI | $131,720 | +3.9% | $63.33/hr |
| Nurse Practitioner in WI | $131,980 | +4.1% | $63.45/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in WI | $133,070 | +5.0% | $63.98/hr |
| Human Resources Manager in WI | $133,490 | +5.3% | $64.18/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers typically earn in Wisconsin?
- The median salary for lawyers in Wisconsin is $126,760 per year, which breaks down to about $61 per hour. This means half of lawyers in the state earn more than this amount, and half earn less.
What is the salary range for lawyers in Wisconsin?
- Lawyers in Wisconsin can expect their salaries to fall within a wide range, from $76,010 for entry-level or lower-paying positions up to $362,040 for experienced attorneys in high-demand fields. The median salary of $126,760 falls within this spectrum.
How does a lawyer's salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
- Lawyers in Wisconsin generally earn slightly less than the national average, with salaries being 5.9% lower. The median salary in Wisconsin is $126,760 per year, while the national median is higher.
How many lawyers are currently employed in Wisconsin?
- There are approximately 9,160 lawyers employed in Wisconsin. This number reflects the total job market for legal professionals within the state.