California is home to some of the highest-paying jobs in the U.S., but how much does an attorney make in California?

The average salary for attorneys in California is $173,000 per year. This is higher than the national average for attorneys of $133,000 per year.

California’s high cost of living might seem like it would lower the salaries paid to its residents, but this is not always true. In fact, many professionals earn more than they would elsewhere because they are willing to make sacrifices in other areas—such as living in a smaller space or driving less—to afford a higher standard of living in California.

While there are many factors that go into determining your salary as an attorney, it is important to note that your education and experience level can have a significant impact on how much money you make as an attorney in California.

Attorney Salary In California

Attorney salary in California
How much does an Attorney make in California?
Average base salary
$110,245

Per year
22%
above national average

Non-cash benefit
401(k)
View more benefits
The average salary for a attorney is $110,245 per year in California. 1.6k salaries reported, updated at July 21, 2022.

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Salaries by years of experience in California
Years of experience
Per year
Less than 1 year
1 to 2 years
3 to 5 years
6 to 9 years
More than 10 years
View job openings with the years of experience that is relevant to you on Indeed

Entry Level
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Top companies for Attorneys in California

Latham & Watkins LLP
4.1
142 reviews
5 salaries reported
$190,639
per year

King & Spalding
4.1
58 reviews
6 salaries reported
$183,633
per year

Cadence Counsel
4.0
6 reviews
12 salaries reported
$180,571
per year
Demidchik Law Firm, PLLC
3.9
27 reviews
9 salaries reported
$172,800
per year

The Law Firm of Higbee & Associates
3.9
25 reviews
8 salaries reported
$165,683
per year