How much does a lawyer for the city of New York make?
Asked by: Makenna Becker | Last update: May 9, 2026Score: 4.4/5 (56 votes)
Lawyers for New York City generally start with salaries in the $80k-$90k range for entry-level positions, but this varies significantly by agency, with the NYC Law Department paying $87k-$137k for 0-10 years of experience, while senior roles, like a Division Chief, can earn over $185k, with factors like experience, role, and specialized skills driving higher earnings.
How much do lawyers make a year in New York City?
While ZipRecruiter is seeing salaries as high as $151,523 and as low as $51,420, the majority of Lawyer salaries currently range between $86,400 (25th percentile) to $112,700 (75th percentile) with top earners (90th percentile) making $143,318 annually in New York.
Do lawyers make $500,000 a year?
Yes, many lawyers earn $500,000 or more annually, especially partners at large firms, top corporate lawyers, or specialized trial attorneys, but it's not typical for the average lawyer, whose median salary is much lower, requiring significant experience, specialization (like IP or M&A), and business acumen to reach that high income level.
How much do government attorneys make in NYC?
As of Jan 10, 2026, the average annual pay for a Government Attorney in New York is $107,577 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $51.72 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,068/week or $8,964/month.
What type of lawyer makes the most money in NYC?
What Are the Highest Paid Lawyers?
- Corporate Lawyers. Corporate lawyers help their clients grow and manage their businesses. ...
- Personal Injury Lawyers. Personal injury lawyers may handle various types of cases. ...
- Tax Attorneys. ...
- Bankruptcy Lawyers. ...
- Criminal Defense Attorneys. ...
- Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in New York, NY.
Harvard Students Tell Us How Much Debt They Have
What lawyer makes the most money in NYC?
Here are the legal careers with the highest earning potential:
- Corporate Lawyers. ...
- Trial Lawyers (High-Stakes Litigation & Class Actions) ...
- Intellectual Property (IP) Lawyers. ...
- Medical Malpractice & Personal Injury Lawyers. ...
- Securities & Antitrust Lawyers. ...
- Want to Be a High-Paid Lawyer?
Is $130,000 a good salary in New York?
Yes, $130,000 is a very good salary in NYC, especially for a single person, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle, savings, and enjoying the city, though it might feel tighter with a family or for those aspiring to luxury living without significant budgeting. While some studies suggest over $138k is needed for "comfortable" living for a single person, $130k places you well above the median income, making it feasible to cover high rents (especially outside Manhattan), save, and still have disposable income for activities.
How much does a Walmart lawyer make?
How much does an Attorney make at Walmart in the United States? The estimated average pay for Attorney at this company in the United States is $89,626 per year, which is 16% below the national average.
What is the salary of the mayor of New York?
The Mayor of New York City earns an annual salary of $258,750, a figure consistent for recent administrations, though there was a proposal in late 2025 to raise it to $300,500, which would apply to current Mayor Zohran Mamdani and other officials if enacted. This salary places the mayor among the city's top earners, with perks like a rent-free official residence at Gracie Mansion also being part of the compensation package.
Can a lawyer make $1 million a year?
Yes, lawyers can make $1 million a year, but it's not typical for most; it's usually achieved by partners in large corporate firms, elite trial lawyers handling high-stakes cases (often on contingency), or entrepreneurial lawyers who own successful firms in lucrative fields like intellectual property, with specialization and business acumen being key. While average salaries are much lower, top earners in specific high-value niches or those leveraging firm growth strategies can reach or exceed this income level.
Who earns more, a doctor or a lawyer in the USA?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives median salaries for both doctors and lawyers, so it's clear that the doctors' number is higher. But median salaries are the midpoint in a list of salaries for one occupation, meaning that half of the list makes more and half makes less.
What is the lowest paid lawyer?
There's no single minimum salary for lawyers, as pay varies wildly by location, firm size, and specialization, but entry-level salaries range from around $50k-$70k in public interest/small firms to over $200k at big corporate firms, with overall averages often near $100k-$120k. The lowest earnings are typically in public service, while high-paying areas include corporate law, IP, and big cities like NYC or D.C.
How difficult is law school?
Law school is an academic challenge; most students agree the first year (“1L” year) is the most difficult. In part, this is because law school is taught using methods entirely different than the lecture method used in most college classrooms.
Do any lawyers make 7 figures?
Yes, corporate lawyers can indeed make seven figures, especially those who are partners in large law firms. In California, the stakes are high, particularly in cities like San Francisco, where the cost of living and the concentration of corporate clients drive salaries upwards.
What is the difference between a lawyer and attorney?
A lawyer has a law degree and legal education, while an attorney is a lawyer who has passed the bar exam and is licensed to practice law and represent clients in court; all attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers are attorneys, as some may work in legal roles without court admission, like consulting or policy. The key difference is the license, which grants the authority to act as an advocate in court, draft legal documents, and provide formal legal advice with attorney-client privilege.
How many hours do lawyers work per week?
Although most lawyers have a regular 40-hour week, a significant percentage of them work more frequently. The average weekly work hours for various types of lawyers are: Lawyers working for large firms: 66 hours per week. Lawyers working for small and medium-sized firms: 42-54 hours per week.
Who was the billionaire mayor of New York?
The billionaire mayor of New York City was Michael Bloomberg, who served three terms (2002-2013), becoming wealthy through his financial data company, Bloomberg L.P.. Known for his focus on public health, economic growth, and gun control, his tenure also saw controversy over policies like "stop-and-frisk," while he's now a major philanthropist and political figure.
What is the salary of a New York governor?
New York's Governor, Kathy Hochul, earns a base salary of around $250,000-$260,000 annually, making it one of the highest gubernatorial salaries in the U.S., though figures vary slightly by source and year, with some noting closer to $250,000 and others showing nearly $260,000 as of 2024 tax filings.
Do mayors get a pension?
In addition to their annual salaries mayors can expect to receive a city-provided vehicle, health insurance and pension contributions. These are common benefits for mayors who work full-time in large and mid-size cities.
Who makes $400,000 at Walmart?
Walmart Supercenter managers can earn up to $400,000 annually, a figure achieved through increased base pay (averaging $128,000), performance bonuses (up to 200% of base), and new annual stock grants (up to $20,000 for Supercenter managers). This significant pay increase, which started in 2024, makes the complex job more lucrative, with no college degree required, and offers a path for hourly workers to become high-earning owners.
Is $400 an hour a lot for a lawyer?
Yes, $400 an hour is a significant amount for a lawyer, but whether it's "a lot" depends on factors like the lawyer's experience, location (urban areas charge more), and specialty (corporate law often costs more). While $100-$300 is a common range, $400 can be standard for experienced attorneys in complex fields or major cities, and even less experienced lawyers in big firms might bill similarly, with partners charging much more.
What type of lawyer gets paid most?
The lawyers who make the most money are typically in specialized fields like Patent Law, Corporate Law, and Intellectual Property (IP) Law, often working in large firms or for major corporations, with high potential earnings also in Medical Malpractice, Securities, and Antitrust law, especially where high stakes and complex financial interests justify large fees, with some top earners in private practice making millions.
Can you live comfortably on $80,000 a year in NYC?
For instance, if you want to live in a $2,000/month studio apartment in Manhattan (which is on the low end of the range for apartments in Manhattan, but not uncommonly so), you'll need $80,000 a year. That's not a bad basis for your calculations. Figure on 30 percent going to taxes.
How many people in NYC make $200,000?
While exact figures vary by source and whether it's individuals or households, well over a million households in NYC earn over $200k, with estimates suggesting around 1.26 million households (16%) in New York State (including NYC) making $200k+ in 2024, but NYC itself, particularly Manhattan, has a higher concentration, with top earners in the millions.
How much can I spend on a house if I make $130,000?
A home buyer earning a $130,000 gross annual salary may be able to afford a home that costs around $407,000 — with a monthly mortgage payment of around $3,000. But how much house you can afford on a $130K salary may vary by tens of thousands of dollars.