Lawyers Salary in California
Lawyers in California earn a median of $195,080 a year, +22% compared with the U.S. median.
Updated October 2026 · Data: BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
- Median pay
- $195,080
- vs. U.S. median
- +22% ($159,670)
- Rank among states
- 3 of 51
- Jobs in the state
- 95,770
Pay range in California
The lowest-paid 10% earn under $97,950; the top 10% earn over $369,180. Nationally the range is $78,360 to $351,600.
States ranked near California
Similar jobs in California
- Labor Relations Specialists$105,810 median in California
- Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers$96,980 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists$91,410 median in California
- Compliance Managers$174,560 median in California (broader BLS group)
- Management Analysts$101,460 median in California
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators$97,680 median in California
Lawyers pay in California
How much do lawyers make in California?
The median is $195,080 a year. The lowest-paid 10% earn under $97,950 and the top 10% earn over $369,180. BLS OEWS May 2025.
Is California a good state for lawyers?
On pay alone it ranks 3 of 51 (+22% vs. the national median of $159,670). Living costs are not included.