What is the median salary for Lawyers in Seattle, Washington?

According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in the Seattle metropolitan area is $164,980.

Does Seattle pay more than the Washington state average for Lawyers?

The Seattle metro median is +7.0% versus the Washington state median of $154,130.

How does Seattle compare to the national median for Lawyers?

The Seattle metro median is +3.5% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.

What is the salary range for Lawyers in Seattle?

BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $99,910 and the 90th-percentile at $314,120 for the Seattle 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.

Lawyers Salary in Seattle, Washington: $165k Median ($100k–$314k Range)

Median annual$164,980

Mean annual$180,920

Range (10th to 90th)$99,910 to $314,120

Seattle, Washington employment9,210

State vs national+3.5% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Seattle lawyers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

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

The middle 50% of workers earn between $127,870 and $215,590, with a median of $164,980.

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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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Lawyers in Seattle, Washington?: According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Lawyers in the Seattle metropolitan area is $164,980.
Does Seattle pay more than the Washington state average for Lawyers?: The Seattle metro median is +7.0% versus the Washington state median of $154,130.
How does Seattle compare to the national median for Lawyers?: The Seattle metro median is +3.5% versus the BLS national figure of $159,328.
What is the salary range for Lawyers in Seattle?: BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $99,910 and the 90th-percentile at $314,120 for the Seattle 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 Seattle 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.