What the numbers say
The median wage for Lawyers in Alabama was $127,660 in 2024, about 15% below the US median of $149,496. That gap is real, but it does not tell the whole story.
Alabama's cost of living sits roughly 13% below the national average. After adjusting for what the money actually buys, that $127,660 lands closer to $146,000 in national-baseline terms. The headline gap shrinks to something closer to 2%.
The spread across the field is wide. The bottom 10% of Alabama lawyers earned $61,190. The top 10% earned $217,010. That is a difference of about $156,000 between the lowest and highest earners. Experience, specialty, and whether someone works at a large firm, a public agency, or in solo practice all drive that gap. A first-year public defender and a senior partner at a corporate firm are both counted in this number.
The mean wage of $139,470 runs above the median, which tells us a smaller group of high earners pulls the average up. For most practicing lawyers in the state, the median is a closer reference point.
BLS projects average growth for this occupation nationally through 2034, at 4.2%. Alabama follows the same broad pattern.
Salary distribution
Where Alabama lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $84,670 and $175,040, with a median of $127,660.
Lawyers pay by experience level in Alabama
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Alabama over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.9 / 5
Oral Expression
Ability
- 4.7 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
- 4.6 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
- 4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
- 4.5 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
- 4.4 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
- 02
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
- 03
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
- 04
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
- 05
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
- 06
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
- 07
Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.
- 08
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+4.2%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Average growth
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
Sponsored
Build the skills employers list for Lawyers
Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.
Explore coursesTop metros in Alabama
Metro-level salary data for lawyers in major Alabama metropolitan areas.
- Birmingham$152,240
Compare Lawyers pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in Alabama?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in Alabama is $127,660.
- How does Alabama compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The Alabama median is -14.6% versus the BLS national figure of $149,496.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in Alabama?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $61,190 and the 90th-percentile at $217,010, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Lawyers a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 4.2% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Lawyers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Doctoral or professional degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.