LegalOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Lawyer / Attorney Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$126,500/yr
Typical range: $130,604 – $166,562
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Lawyer / Attorney salary by experience level in Washington DC
Lawyer / Attorney Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $126,500 | $10,542 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $170,120 | $14,177 | +34% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $202,109 | $16,842 | +60% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $248,637 | $20,720 | +97% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $370,775 | $30,898 | +193% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $510,361 | $42,530 | +303% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $545,258 | $45,438 | +331% |
Current Salary
$126,500
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $61/hr
Next Level Target
$170,120
Junior · 2
+$44Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+8% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Lawyer / Attorney salary in Washington DC, DC?
Entry Level Lawyer / Attorneys in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $127K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $127K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $61/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Lawyer / Attorney in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Lawyer / Attorney in Washington DC, DC earns $286K–$364K/yr.