LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorney Salary in New York
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$385,557/yr
Typical range: $296,979 – $378,744
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in New York
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in New York
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 | $131,543 | $10,962 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $176,902 | $14,742 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $210,166 | $17,514 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $258,550 | $21,546 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $385,557 | $32,130 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $530,707 | $44,226 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $566,995 | $47,250 | +331% |
Current Salary
$385,557
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $185/hr
Next Level Target
$530,707
Principal · 14
+$145Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Lawyer / Attorney salary in New York, NY?
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorneys in New York, NY earn approximately $386K 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 New York, NY?
Based on $386K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $185/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Lawyer / Attorney in New York, NY?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in New York, NY earns $297K–$379K/yr.