RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Lawyers salary in Buffalo, New York

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Buffalo metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$111,570
Mean annual$133,470
Range (10th to 90th)$63,690 to $215,260
Buffalo, New York employment2,710
State vs national-25.4% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Buffalo lawyers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$63,69025TH$81,800MEDIAN$111,57075TH$163,18090TH$215,260

The middle 50% of workers earn between $81,800 and $163,180, with a median of $111,570.

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)

  1. 01

    Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.

  2. 02

    Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.

  3. 03

    Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.

  4. 04

    Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.

  5. 05

    Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.

  6. 06

    Represent clients in court or before government agencies.

  7. 07

    Work in environmental law, representing public interest groups, waste disposal companies, or construction firms in their dealings with state and federal agencies.

  8. 08

    Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.

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Other metros in New York

How the Buffalo metro compares to other major New York metro areas for lawyers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Lawyers in Buffalo, New York?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in the Buffalo metropolitan area is $111,570.
Does Buffalo pay more than the New York state average for Lawyers?
The Buffalo metro median is -37.0% versus the New York state median of $177,210.
How does Buffalo compare to the national median for Lawyers?
The Buffalo metro median is -25.4% versus the BLS national figure of $149,496.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in Buffalo?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $63,690 and the 90th-percentile at $215,260 for the Buffalo metro area.
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 Buffalo 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.