The legal profession is one of the most highly respected and sought after in Australia. Lawyers are highly regarded for their expertise, knowledge and ability to help clients through the complex legal process. As such, they are well compensated for their services. In Australia, lawyers can earn a comfortable salary, depending on their area of expertise, location and the type of practice they work in.
Salary of Lawyers in Major Cities
Lawyers in major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities and towns. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers in major cities was around $100,000 in the 2018-19 financial year. This amount is significantly above the national average of $74,759. The median salary for lawyers in Melbourne was $103,837, while the median salary for lawyers in Sydney was slightly higher at $106,945.
Salary of Lawyers in Private Practice
Lawyers who work in private practices can earn significantly higher salaries than those who work in public or corporate firms. The most senior lawyers in private practice can earn up to $200,000 a year, while the starting salary can be as low as $70,000. Salaries for lawyers in private practice can vary greatly depending on the size and type of firm, the area of expertise, and the lawyer’s experience and qualifications.
Salary of Lawyers in Public Practice
Lawyers who work in public practice, such as in the police force or in government departments, tend to earn lower salaries than those in private practice. The median salary for lawyers in public practice in Australia was $68,242 in the 2018-19 financial year. This amount is significantly lower than the national average of $74,759, and significantly lower than the median salary for lawyers in private practice.
Salary of Lawyers in Corporate Law Firms
Lawyers who work in corporate law firms tend to earn higher salaries than those in private practice or public practice. The median salary for lawyers in corporate law firms in Australia was $117,944 in the 2018-19 financial year. This amount is significantly higher than the national average of $74,759, and significantly higher than the median salary for lawyers in private practice.
Salary of Lawyers in Specialised Fields
Lawyers who work in specialised fields such as tax law, family law, or criminal law, tend to earn higher salaries than those who work in general practice. The median salary for lawyers in specialised fields in Australia was $87,066 in the 2018-19 financial year. This amount is significantly higher than the national average of $74,759, and significantly higher than the median salary for lawyers in general practice.
Salary of Lawyers in Regional Areas
Lawyers who work in regional areas tend to earn lower salaries than those who work in major cities. The median salary for lawyers in regional areas in Australia was $65,390 in the 2018-19 financial year. This amount is significantly lower than the national average of $74,759, and significantly lower than the median salary for lawyers in major cities.
Factors That Influence Salary
The salary of lawyers in Australia is influenced by a number of factors, including the size of the firm, the area of expertise, the lawyer’s experience and qualifications, and the location of the practice. Lawyers in major cities, private practice, and corporate law firms tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities, public practice, and general practice.
Conclusion
Lawyers in Australia can earn comfortable salaries depending on their area of expertise, location and the type of practice they work in. Lawyers in major cities, private practice, and corporate law firms tend to earn higher salaries than those in smaller cities, public practice, and general practice. Salary is also influenced by the size of the firm, the area of expertise, the lawyer’s experience and qualifications, and the location of the practice.
