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Lawyer salary in California, 2026

How much does a Lawyer make in California?

Average base salary

$136,563
27%
above national average
Average $136,563
Low $75,123
High $248,253

The average salary for a lawyer is $136,563 per year in California. 115 salaries taken from job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months (updated July 10, 2026).

Highest paying companies for Lawyer in California

Average year pay is based on job postings on Indeed in the past 36 months.
Wollborg Michelson Recruiting
 
$442,000per year
View company
Gibson Dunn
 
$293,333per year
View company
Wilson, Sonsini, Goodrich & Ro...
 
$260,000per year
View company
MERCOR
 
$225,333per year
View company
Axiom Law
 
$214,750per year
View company
Confidential
 
$195,000per year
View company

Highest paying cities for Lawyers near California

  1. Rancho Cucamonga, CA
    $158,764 per year
  2. San Francisco, CA
    $151,690 per year
  3. San Jose, CA
    $149,813 per year
  4. Encino, CA
    $149,813 per year
  5. Long Beach, CA
    $149,813 per year

Where can a Lawyer earn more?

Compare salaries for Lawyers in different locations
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How much do similar professions as Lawyer get paid in California?

Junior Lawyer

Job openings
Average $123,042 per year

Senior Lawyer

Job openings
Average $266,887 per year