Lawyers Salary in Santa Cruz, CA

BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics • May 2025 • Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA

Median annual salary $192,800 +27.5% vs national
Median hourly $92.69
10th percentile $104,350
90th percentile
Employed locally 200
National median $151,160

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Lawyers
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Santa Cruz, CA
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    Salary percentile breakdown

    10th
    $104,350
    25th
    $133,090
    50th (median)
    $192,800
    75th
    $219,110

    Santa Cruz economic context

    Unemployment rate 5.90% 2024 annual avg • BLS LAUS
    Median household income $109,266 2023 • Census ACS
    Lawyers salary vs area income 176% Median Lawyers salary is 76% above the area median household income

    Frequently asked questions

    How much do Lawyers make per hour in Santa Cruz?

    The median hourly wage for Lawyers in Santa Cruz, CA is $92.69, based on BLS OEWS 2025 data. Top earners (90th percentile) make $151.53 or more per hour.

    Is Santa Cruz above or below average for Lawyers salaries?

    The median Lawyers salary in Santa Cruz, CA is 27.5% above 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 Santa Cruz?

    Entry-level Lawyers (10th percentile) earn around $104,350 per year in Santa Cruz, CA. The 25th percentile — typically workers with 1–3 years of experience — earn approximately $133,090.