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Lawyer (Attorney) Salary in Sacramento, CA

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

Median Salary
$171,120
per year in Sacramento
Entry Level
$90,381
Starting salary
Senior Level
$301,268
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
141
41% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$90,381$171,120$301,268
Monthly$7,532$14,260$25,106
Biweekly$3,476$6,582$11,587
Weekly$1,738$3,291$5,794
Hourly$43$82$145

Sacramento vs National Average

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

Sacramento Salary
$171,120
COL Index: 141
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$45,850
Higher in Sacramento

Cost of Living in Sacramento

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,950
per month
Median Income
$63,456
per year
Population
525,453
residents
Rent % of Income
36.9%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 141 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Sacramento 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.

New York, NY
$203,450
+19%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+20%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
-3%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-19%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-21%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

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 Sacramento, CA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a lawyer (attorney) in Sacramento, CA is $171,120 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 141. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Sacramento's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level lawyer (attorney) professionals in Sacramento can expect to earn around $90,381 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level lawyer (attorney)s earning approximately $301,268 per year. This represents a 233% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Sacramento's cost of living index of 141 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Sacramento 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 Sacramento typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,950 per month, housing represents about 13.7% 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 Sacramento, 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.