What is the median salary for Lawyers in Los Angeles, California?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $205,900.

Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Lawyers?

The Los Angeles metro median is +4.1% versus the California state median of $197,790.

How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Lawyers?

The Los Angeles metro median is +37.7% versus the BLS national figure of $149,496.

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.

Lawyers Salary in Los Angeles, California

Median annual$205,900

Mean annual$270,610

Range (10th to 90th)Not published

Los Angeles, California employment40,990

State vs national+37.7% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Los Angeles lawyers fall on the wage curve.

Distribution not available

The Bureau of Labor Statistics suppresses wage percentiles for this occupation and state when the surveyed cell has too few employers to publish without revealing individual firm pay. National figures and adjacent states below remain a useful reference.

Typical entry

Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None

Top skills (O*NET)

Oral Expression
Ability
4.9 / 5
Law and Government
Knowledge
4.7 / 5
Speaking
Basic skill
4.6 / 5
Active Listening
Basic skill
4.6 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
4.5 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
4.5 / 5
English Language
Knowledge
4.5 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
4.4 / 5

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.

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Other metros in California

How the Los Angeles metro compares to other major California metro areas for lawyers.

San Francisco$215,090
Sacramento$171,120
San Diego$165,000
Riverside—
San Jose—

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Lawyers in Los Angeles, California?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in the Los Angeles metropolitan area is $205,900.
Does Los Angeles pay more than the California state average for Lawyers?: The Los Angeles metro median is +4.1% versus the California state median of $197,790.
How does Los Angeles compare to the national median for Lawyers?: The Los Angeles metro median is +37.7% versus the BLS national figure of $149,496.
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.

Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Los Angeles CBSA boundary 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.