LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$362,500/yr
Typical range: $279,219 – $356,094
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in Seattle
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $123,676 | $10,306 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $166,323 | $13,860 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $197,598 | $16,467 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $243,088 | $20,257 | +97% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $362,500 | $30,208 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $498,970 | $41,581 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $533,088 | $44,424 | +331% |
Current Salary
$362,500
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $174/hr
Next Level Target
$498,970
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 Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Lawyer / Attorneys in Seattle, WA earn approximately $363K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $363K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $174/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Seattle, WA earns $279K–$356K/yr.