Lawyer Salary in California
A lawyer in California earns an estimated $174,300 a year ($83.80 an hour). Most workers fall from $118,500 to $252,700, depending on experience and employer.
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Lawyer pay in California
| Per year | Per hour | |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (estimate) | $118,500 | $56.97 |
| Median (estimate) | $174,300 | $83.80 |
| Experienced (estimate) | $252,700 | $121.49 |
| US national median | $151,000 | $72.60 |
The California estimate is 15% above the national median, reflecting local prices and wages.
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Take-home pay
On the median figure a single filer in California keeps about $121,685 a year after federal tax, FICA and state tax, or $4,680.19 per biweekly paycheck. Try your exact numbers in the California paycheck calculator.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lawyer make in California?
About $174,300 a year at the median (estimate).
Is this an official figure?
No. It is an estimate based on the national BLS median and a state wage index. Check BLS OEWS tables for official data.
Sources and method
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook
- Bureau of Economic Analysis: regional price parities
- Estimate, not official state data
Page last updated November 2026. See our editorial policy and disclaimer.