Lawyers Salary in Pittsburgh, PA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Pittsburgh, PA

Median annual salary $125,870 -16.7% vs national
Median hourly $60.51
10th percentile $59,440
90th percentile
Employed locally 5,600
National median $151,160

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Lawyers
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Pittsburgh, PA
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    In Pittsburgh, PA, lawyers earn a median annual salary of $125,870, with an hourly rate of $60.51. This is significantly higher than the area's median household income, which stands at $73,942. When compared to the national median for lawyers at $151,160, Pittsburgh salaries are lower. Despite this discrepancy, the earnings in Pittsburgh remain substantially above the local average, highlighting the financial advantages associated with pursuing a legal career in this region.

    Entry-level lawyers in Pittsburgh earn approximately $59,440 annually, which is around the 10th percentile, while those more experienced and at the 75th percentile earn about $178,320. The disparity between entry-level and experienced lawyers can be attributed to several factors including years of experience, specialization within the field, and performance-based incentives. As lawyers progress in their careers, they often take on more complex cases or move into senior roles that command higher salaries, further driving this difference in earnings across experience levels.

    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $59,440
    25th
    $78,170
    50th (median)
    $125,870
    75th
    $178,320

    Pittsburgh economic context

    Unemployment rate 3.60% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $73,942 2023 • Census ACS
    Lawyers salary vs area income 170% Median Lawyers salary is 70% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Lawyers make per hour in Pittsburgh?

    The median hourly wage for Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA is $60.51, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $148.08 or more per hour.

    Is Pittsburgh above or below average for Lawyers salaries?

    The median Lawyers salary in Pittsburgh, PA is 16.7% 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 Pittsburgh?

    Entry-level Lawyers (10th percentile) earn around $59,440 per year in Pittsburgh, PA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $78,170.