LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$368,198/yr
Typical range: $283,608 – $361,692
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $125,620 | $10,468 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $168,938 | $14,078 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $200,704 | $16,725 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $246,909 | $20,576 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $368,198 | $30,683 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $506,814 | $42,235 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $541,468 | $45,122 | +331% |
Current Salary
$368,198
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $177/hr
Next Level Target
$506,814
Principal · 14
+$139Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorneys in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $368K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $368K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $177/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Los Angeles, CA earns $284K–$362K/yr.