Lawyer Salary in San Francisco, CA
2024 BLS OEWS Data · Legal · COL Index: 179.6
$215,090
Median Salary
$275,170
Mean Salary
$119,761
COL-Adjusted
16,940
Employment
Salary Distribution
Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Salary | COL-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile (Entry Level) | $103,870 | $57,834 |
| 25th Percentile | $156,930 | $87,378 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $215,090 | $119,761 |
| 75th Percentile | $335,250 | $186,665 |
| 90th Percentile (Top Earners) | $491,458 | $273,640 |
What Drives the Range
The $387,588 spread between the 10th and 90th percentiles for Lawyer positions in San Francisco, CA reflects several factors. Entry-level professionals and those in smaller organizations typically fall in the lower quartiles, while senior specialists, those with in-demand certifications, and employees at large enterprises command salaries in the upper percentiles.
San Francisco, CA's cost-of-living index of 179.6 means that a $215,090 median salary here has the same purchasing power as $119,761 in an average-cost U.S. city. Despite the higher cost of living, this metro area offers a deep talent pool and typically higher total compensation when including equity and bonuses.