Lawyers in Louisiana. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Louisiana lawyers earned a median of $112,600 in 2024, about 25% below the national median of $149,496. That gap is one of the larger state-level differences we see for this occupation across the US.
The spread within the state is wide. A lawyer near the bottom of the earnings range took home around $61,000, while one near the top cleared $215,990. Top earners made roughly 3.5 times what the lowest-paid lawyers did. The mean of $128,020 runs well above the median, which tells us a smaller group of high earners pulls the average up.
Louisiana's cost of living sits about 8% below the national baseline, so the nominal wage gap narrows when you account for what the money actually buys. A $112,600 salary here stretches roughly as far as $121,900 would in an average-cost state. That closes some distance from the national median, though a meaningful gap remains even after the adjustment.
BLS projects employment for lawyers to grow 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, in line with the average for all occupations. Louisiana's legal market is concentrated in a few major practice areas tied to energy, maritime, and civil litigation, sectors that have historically generated steady regional demand without the sharp hiring cycles visible in large coastal markets.
Salary distribution
Where Louisiana lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $76,540 and $159,100, with a median of $104,100.
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Lawyers pay by experience level in Louisiana
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 Louisiana over the past 3 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2025 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.
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Metro-level salary data for lawyers in major Louisiana metropolitan areas.
- New Orleans$121,290
Compare Lawyers pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare Louisiana with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in Louisiana?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in Louisiana is $104,100.
- How does Louisiana compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The Louisiana median is -34.7% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in Louisiana?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,140 and the 90th-percentile at $227,230, 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.