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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Lawyers salary in Cleveland, Ohio

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Cleveland 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$128,460
Mean annual$148,560
Range (10th to 90th)$65,070 to $233,540
Cleveland, Ohio employment5,220
State vs national-14.1% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Cleveland lawyers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

10TH$65,07025TH$89,130MEDIAN$128,46075TH$175,81090TH$233,540

The middle 50% of workers earn between $89,130 and $175,810, with a median of $128,460.

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 Ohio

How the Cleveland metro compares to other major Ohio metro areas for lawyers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Lawyers in Cleveland, Ohio?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in the Cleveland metropolitan area is $128,460.
Does Cleveland pay more than the Ohio state average for Lawyers?
The Cleveland metro median is +2.4% versus the Ohio state median of $125,450.
How does Cleveland compare to the national median for Lawyers?
The Cleveland metro median is -14.1% versus the BLS national figure of $149,496.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in Cleveland?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $65,070 and the 90th-percentile at $233,540 for the Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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.