Lawyers Jobs Pay in New York, NY

Average Hourly Pay

$101.97
218.7%Above national average

Range: $100.04 - $103.90

Average Annual Pay

$212,098
218.7%Above national average

Range: $208,083 - $216,112

Entry-level
$180,283/per year
Top 10%
$216,112+/per year

Methodology: These figures are estimated from limited publicly available salary data.

Average Hourly Pay

$101.97
218.7%Above national average

Range: $100.04 - $103.90

How much does a Lawyer make in New York, NY?

The average annual salary for a lawyer in New York, NY is $212,098 per year. If you prefer to look at it hourly, that works out to about $101.97 per hour. This is roughly equivalent to $4,079 per week or $17,675 per month, depending on hours worked.

Salary range for lawyers in New York, NY

Min25%Median75%Max
25th
$180k
75th
$212k
Top 10%
$216k

Lawyers salaries in New York, NY can vary depending on experience, certifications, location within the state, and the type of work performed.

While some salaries can reach as high as $216,112, entry-level or lower-paid roles may start around $208,083 annually.

The difference between the lower and higher ends of the pay range for lawyers in New York, NY — about $31,815 between the 25th and 75th percentiles — suggests there may be opportunities for lawyers to increase their earnings over time through additional training, certifications, and years of experience.

Top-paying cities for lawyers around New York, NY

While the average salary for a lawyers in New York, NY is $212,098 per year, some cities across the state offer higher earning potential.

Based on available salary data, 1 cities report average lawyers salaries above the statewide average.

Leading the list is New York-Newark-Jersey City, followed by Rochester and Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, which also rank among the top-paying locations for lawyers in the state.

New York-Newark-Jersey City stands out with lawyers earning around $14,820 more than the statewide average, or about 7% higher.

Because several cities offer salaries above the state average, lawyers may find opportunities to increase their earnings by working in higher-paying areas within New York, NY.

Factors such as local demand for skilled professionals, cost of living, and the type of work available can influence these differences.

Lawyers pay in New York, NY by experience level

Salaries for lawyers in New York, NY often increase as professionals gain more experience, develop specialized skills, and take on greater responsibilities.

Entry Level0-2 years
Hourly Rate$86.67/hrRange: $100.04 – $86.67
Annual Rate$180,283Range: $208,083 $180,283

Entry-level lawyers (0-2 years) typically earn lower salaries while gaining practical experience and learning the basics of the role. At this stage, pay usually averages around $208,083 – $180,283 per year, depending on the employer, industry, and location.

Mid level3-6 years
Hourly Rate$101.97/hrRange: $86.67 – $117.27
Annual Rate$212,098Range: $180,283 $243,913

Mid-level lawyers (3-6 years) often see higher earnings as they build expertise and may take on more complex tasks or independent work. Many professionals in this stage earn approximately $180,283 – $243,913 annually.

Senior level7+ years
Hourly Rate$117.27/hrRange: $117.27 – $103.90
Annual Rate$243,913Range: $243,913 $216,112

Experienced lawyers (7+ years) generally earn the highest salaries. With advanced skills, leadership responsibilities, or specialized knowledge, pay can reach $243,913 – $216,112 per year.

Key factors that affect pay of lawyers in New York, NY

Several factors can influence how much lawyers earn in New York, NY, even when the average salary is around $212,098 per year.

Experience level is one of the biggest drivers of pay. Entry-level workers typically earn closer to $180,283, while experienced professionals can make $243,913+ annually.

Location within the region also plays a role. In higher-paying cities salaries can be higher than the regional average due to stronger demand and local economic conditions.

Industry and specialization can further impact earnings. Professionals working in specialized areas or large-scale projects often earn more than those in entry-level or general roles.

Together, these factors create a wide salary range for lawyers in New York, NY, giving experienced professionals opportunities to increase their earnings over time.

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FAQs about Lawyer in New York, NY

Do lawyers make good money in New York, NY?

Whether or not you think lawyers pay well might depend on your specific situation and needs. The average salary for lawyers in New York, NY is about $212,098 per year, or roughly $101.97 per hour. Entry-level professionals typically earn around $180,283 annually, while experienced workers can earn $243,913 or more per year depending on experience and specialization.

Can lawyers make $220,000 a year in New York, NY?

Yes, some can. While the average salary is around $212,098, top-earning lawyers in New York, NY can make about $216,112 or more annually. Professionals with advanced certifications, specialized skills, or leadership roles are more likely to reach this level of pay.

Is $210,000 a good salary for a lawyer in New York, NY?

A salary of $210,000 is close to the average for lawyers in New York, NY. Most professionals in this role earn between $180,283 and $243,913 per year, depending on experience, industry, and location.

How much does a starting lawyer make in New York, NY?

Entry-level lawyers in New York, NY typically earn around $86.67/hr, which equals roughly $180,283 per year. Starting salaries may vary based on training, certifications, and the employer.

How much does a licensed or certified lawyer make in New York, NY?

Licensed or certified lawyers in New York, NY earn about $212,098 per year on average, with typical salaries ranging between $180,283 and $243,913 annually. Highly experienced professionals can earn $216,112 or more.

What is the hourly pay for lawyers in New York, NY?

The average hourly pay for lawyers in New York, NY is about $101.97 per hour. Entry-level workers may earn closer to $86.67, while experienced professionals can earn $117.27+ per hour.

What is the salary range for lawyers in New York, NY?

Most lawyers in New York, NY earn between $180,283 and $243,913 per year, while the top 10% earn more than $216,112 annually.

How fast does pay increase for lawyers?

Pay for lawyers typically increases with experience. Many professionals see earnings grow from around $180,283 early in their careers to $243,913+ after several years of experience.
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