LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$360,526/yr
Typical range: $277,698 – $354,155
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in Boston
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in Boston
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $123,003 | $10,250 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $165,418 | $13,785 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $196,522 | $16,377 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $241,764 | $20,147 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $360,526 | $30,044 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $496,253 | $41,354 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $530,185 | $44,182 | +331% |
Current Salary
$360,526
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $173/hr
Next Level Target
$496,253
Principal · 14
+$136Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorneys in Boston, MA earn approximately $361K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney make per hour in Boston, MA?
Based on $361K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $173/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Boston, MA earns $278K–$354K/yr.