Lawyers in Oregon. BLS OES + DOL OFLC + reader-reported submissions. How this is built →
What the numbers say
Oregon lawyers earned a median wage of $141,520 in 2024, about 5% below the national median of $149,496. The gap is narrower than it looks on paper, but it is still a gap.
The spread from the 25th to the 75th percentile runs from $91,860 to $188,280, a difference of nearly $100,000. That range reflects how much practice area and setting matter. A public defender or staff attorney at a nonprofit sits toward the lower end. A partner at a regional firm handling commercial transactions sits toward the upper end. The 10th-percentile figure of $55,350 is a reminder that entry-level legal work in Oregon pays modestly.
Oregon's cost-of-living index sits at 105.3, about 5% above the national baseline. When you adjust for that, the state's median wage loses most of its remaining distance from the national figure. In purchasing terms, an Oregon lawyer near the median earns close to what the national median buys. The gap is real, but not large enough to drive a cross-country move on its own.
BLS projects lawyer employment to grow 4.2% between 2024 and 2034, in line with the average for all occupations. Oregon's 7,690 employed lawyers is a relatively small pool for a state its size, which can cut both ways: fewer entry points, but also less competition at the senior level once someone establishes a practice.
Salary distribution
Where Oregon lawyers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $99,450 and $195,620, with a median of $138,210.
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Lawyers pay by experience level in Oregon
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.
Lawyers in Oregon, by industry
Median offered wage across 3 certified filings, grouped by NAICS industry sector. Professional services leads with a median of $91,624.
| Industry | Largest employer | Filings | Median offer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Professional services | Vanderwall Law Office LLC | 2 | $91,624 |
| Manufacturing | Daimler Truck North America, LLC | 1 | $162,351 |
Sectors with at least 25 filings link to a dedicated page with full distribution and sample employer breakdown.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in Oregon 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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Explore coursesTop metros in Oregon
Metro-level salary data for lawyers in major Oregon metropolitan areas.
- Portland$155,330
Compare Lawyers pay across nearby states
Considering a move? Compare Oregon with another state
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Lawyers in Oregon?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in Oregon is $138,210.
- How does Oregon compare to the national median for Lawyers?
- The Oregon median is -13.3% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
- What is the salary range for Lawyers in Oregon?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $73,610 and the 90th-percentile at $263,790, 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.