Attorney Salary in Los Angeles
2026 compensation data for Attorney positions in Los Angeles, CA. Ranges from $81,000 (entry-level) to $345,000 (senior). Median: $167,000.
Median (Mid)
$167,000
$80.29/hr
vs National
+0%
US: $167,000
COL Index
150
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$345,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $81,000 | $106,000 | $138,000 | $50.96/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $126,000 | $167,000 | $207,000 | $80.29/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $195,000 | $259,000 | $345,000 | $124.52/hr |
What Your Salary Is Really Worth in Los Angeles
A mid-level attorney earning $167,000 in Los Angeles has the same buying power as $111,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 150).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Attorney Salaries in Los Angeles
The median attorney salary in Los Angeles, CA is $167,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 0% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100), Los Angeles offers a high cost of living that partially offsets the salary premium.
Entry-level attorneys in Los Angeles can expect to earn between $81,000 and $138,000 (about $50.96/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $345,000 ($345K annually, or about $165.87/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Los Angeles.
Frequently Asked Questions: Attorney Salary in Los Angeles
What is the average Attorney salary in Los Angeles?+
The average Attorney salary in Los Angeles is $167,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $106,000 and senior-level pay reaches $259,000.
How much does an entry-level attorney make in Los Angeles?+
Entry-level attorneys in Los Angeles earn between $81,000 and $138,000, with a median of $106,000 per year (about $50.96/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Attorney in Los Angeles?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Attorney in Los Angeles earns roughly $50.96/hour at entry-level, $80.29/hour at mid-level, and $124.52/hour at senior-level.
Is the Attorney salary in Los Angeles higher than the US average?+
Yes — Attorney salaries in Los Angeles are about 0% higher than the US national median of $167,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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