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Lawyer (Attorney) Salary in New York, NY

How much does a lawyer (attorney) make in New York? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for New York's cost of living.

Median Salary
$203,450
per year in New York
Entry Level
$107,456
Starting salary
Senior Level
$358,187
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
187
87% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how lawyer (attorney) salaries break down across different pay periods in New York.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$107,456$203,450$358,187
Monthly$8,955$16,954$29,849
Biweekly$4,133$7,825$13,776
Weekly$2,066$3,913$6,888
Hourly$52$98$172

New York vs National Average

How New York's lawyer (attorney) salaries compare to national figures.

New York Salary
$203,450
COL Index: 187
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$78,180
Higher in New York

Cost of Living in New York

1-Bedroom Rent
$3,200
per month
Median Income
$67,046
per year
Population
8,336,817
residents
Rent % of Income
57.3%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 187 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in New York have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Lawyer (Attorney)

Overview

Advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court.

Education

Bachelor's degree plus Juris Doctor (JD); Bar license required

Key Skills

Legal ResearchClient AdvocacyNegotiationLegal Writing

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +18% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Lawyer (Attorney) Salary

See Lawyer (Attorney) salaries in other top cities.

Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+1%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
-18%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-31%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-33%
Philadelphia, PA
$148,030
-27%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a lawyer (attorney) salary in New York.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Budget Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Lawyer (Attorney) Salary in New York, NY — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a lawyer (attorney) in New York, NY is $203,450 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 187. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering New York's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level lawyer (attorney) professionals in New York can expect to earn around $107,456 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level lawyer (attorney)s earning approximately $358,187 per year. This represents a 233% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

New York's cost of living index of 187 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in New York are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $125,270, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a lawyer (attorney)'s salary in New York typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $3,200 per month, housing represents about 18.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Lawyer (Attorney)s are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 18% over the next decade. In New York, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.