Legal Philadelphia · 2026 +3.5% YoY proj.

Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Philadelphia

Pharma, education, healthcare — historic East Coast hub. Here's how Lawyer / Attorneys in Philadelphia get paid in 2026.

$170,000
Median Lawyer / Attorney salary in Philadelphia, Q1 2026.
Versus US median ($158,500): +7% · Versus Pennsylvania state ($164,900): +3%
Range: $129,200 (P25) → $220,900 (P75) → $280,400 (P90).
Pay distribution · 2026
P25
$129,200
MEDIAN
$170,000
P75
$220,900
P90
$280,400
By Tenure

Lawyer / Attorney Salary by Experience in Philadelphia

How pay scales with career stage in the Philadelphia metro market.

ExperienceMedian 202625th %75th %
Entry (0–1 yr)$118,900$90,400$154,600
Junior (2–4 yrs)$147,900$112,400$192,100
Mid-Level (5–9 yrs)$170,000$129,200$220,900
Senior (10–14 yrs)$204,000$155,000$265,000
Veteran (15+ yrs)$231,200$175,700$300,400
Metro Comparison

Lawyer / Attorney Pay in Other Top US Metros

Highest-paying metros for Lawyer / Attorneys — useful if you're weighing a relocation.

Philadelphia Pay Map

Highest-Paying Jobs in Philadelphia

Top occupations by median pay across the Philadelphia metro economy.

→ See full Philadelphia salary guide for all 100 jobs

FAQ

Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Philadelphia: FAQ

What is the average Lawyer / Attorney salary in Philadelphia?

The average Lawyer / Attorney salary in the Philadelphia metro is $170,000 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $129,200 to $220,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $280,400 or more.

Does Philadelphia pay more than the rest of Pennsylvania?

Yes — Philadelphia pays +3% relative to the Pennsylvania state median for Lawyer / Attorneys. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.

How does Philadelphia compare to other US metros for Lawyer / Attorney pay?

Philadelphia vs. national: +7%. Philadelphia pays roughly in line with the national average for Lawyer / Attorneys. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.

What experience level does $170,000 represent?

In Philadelphia, the median Lawyer / Attorney salary of $170,000 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Lawyer / Attorneys in Philadelphia start around $118,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $204,000 or more.

Personal Audit

Are you underpaid as a Lawyer / Attorney in Philadelphia?

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