Lawyers Salary in Albany, NY
BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Albany-Schenectady-Troy, NY
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In Albany, NY, the typical lawyer earns a median annual salary of $123,590, which is approximately $59.42 per hour. This figure falls below the national median for lawyers, which stands at $151,160, indicating that salaries in this region are somewhat lower than the average across the United States. When compared to the local household income in Albany, a lawyer's salary exceeds it significantly; the area’s median household income is $86,072. This suggests that legal professionals in Albany have earnings considerably higher than the typical household, positioning them well above average earners within their community.
Entry-level lawyers in Albany start at salaries around the 10th percentile mark, earning approximately $77,030 annually, while those at the 25th percentile earn about $95,940. On the other end of the spectrum, experienced attorneys who reach the 75th percentile can expect to earn a median salary of $167,570, with those in the 90th percentile potentially making as much as $214,670 per year. The substantial difference between entry-level and experienced lawyers' earnings is driven primarily by factors such as years of experience, specialization within the legal field, reputation, and negotiation skills. Additionally, employment opportunities are relatively stable, with an estimated 3,370 lawyers working in Albany, against a local unemployment rate of 3.30%.
Salary percentile breakdown
Albany economic context
Frequently asked questions
How much do Lawyers make per hour in Albany?
The median hourly wage for Lawyers in Albany, NY is $59.42, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $126.50 or more per hour.
Is Albany above or below average for Lawyers salaries?
The median Lawyers salary in Albany, NY is 18.2% below the national median of $151,160. The national figure is from BLS OEWS 2025 data covering all US metropolitan areas.
What is the entry-level salary for Lawyers in Albany?
Entry-level Lawyers (10th percentile) earn around $77,030 per year in Albany, NY. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $95,940.