LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Lawyer / Attorney Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$131,793/yr
Typical range: $136,069 – $173,532
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in San Francisco
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in San Francisco
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $131,793 | $10,983 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $177,239 | $14,770 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $210,566 | $17,547 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $259,042 | $21,587 | +97% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $386,291 | $32,191 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $531,718 | $44,310 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $568,075 | $47,340 | +331% |
Current Salary
$131,793
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $63/hr
Next Level Target
$177,239
Junior · 2
+$45Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Lawyer / Attorney salary in San Francisco, CA?
Entry Level Lawyer / Attorneys in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $132K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Lawyer / Attorney make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $132K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $63/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Lawyer / Attorney in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in San Francisco, CA earns $298K–$379K/yr.