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Lawyer (Attorney) Salary in Philadelphia, PA

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

Median Salary
$148,030
per year in Philadelphia
Entry Level
$78,185
Starting salary
Senior Level
$260,616
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
113
13% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$78,185$148,030$260,616
Monthly$6,515$12,336$21,718
Biweekly$3,007$5,693$10,024
Weekly$1,504$2,847$5,012
Hourly$38$71$125

Philadelphia vs National Average

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

Philadelphia Salary
$148,030
COL Index: 113
National Average
$125,270
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$22,760
Higher in Philadelphia

Cost of Living in Philadelphia

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,650
per month
Median Income
$55,824
per year
Population
1,603,797
residents
Rent % of Income
35.5%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 113 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Philadelphia 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
+37%
Los Angeles, CA
$205,900
+39%
Chicago, IL
$166,090
+12%
Houston, TX
$139,460
-6%
Phoenix, AZ
$135,600
-8%

Financial Tools to Explore

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

Salary Breakdown Calculator

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Cost of Living Calculator

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Rent vs Buy Calculator

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Lawyer (Attorney) Salary in Philadelphia, PA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a lawyer (attorney) in Philadelphia, PA is $148,030 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 113. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Philadelphia's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level lawyer (attorney) professionals in Philadelphia can expect to earn around $78,185 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level lawyer (attorney)s earning approximately $260,616 per year. This represents a 233% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Philadelphia's cost of living index of 113 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,650 per month, housing represents about 13.4% 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 Philadelphia, 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.