According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for lawyers in New York was $144,050 in May 2020, the most recent data available. The average lawyer salary in New York is higher than the national average, which was $122,960 in May 2020. The highest-paid lawyers can earn more than $208,000 per year, while the lowest-paid lawyers in New York make around $48,000.
Lawyers in New York City make the most, with a median salary of $164,110, according to the BLS. Long Island follows at $148,620. Upstate New York comes in third, with a median salary of $133,810. Albany, the capital of New York, pays an average lawyer salary of $138,830.
New York City is home to the most highly compensated lawyers in the state. Lawyers who work in the securities and commodities industry in New York City have the highest median salary, at $286,780, according to the BLS. The highest-paid lawyers in New York City specialize in intellectual property law, with a median salary of $272,300.
Lawyers who practice in the Buffalo area make the least, with a median salary of $93,620. The highest-paid lawyers in Buffalo specialize in labor and employment law, with a median salary of $148,380. Rochester follows close behind, with a median salary of $90,610.
Factors That Affect a Lawyer's Salary in New York
Several factors can affect a lawyer's salary in New York, including the lawyer's experience, the industry they work in, and the size of the firm they work for. Lawyers with more experience tend to make more money, as do lawyers who work at larger firms. Lawyers who specialize in certain areas of law, such as intellectual property, corporate law, and labor and employment law, also tend to make more money.
Location also plays a role in how much a lawyer makes. Lawyers who work in large metropolitan areas, such as New York City and Buffalo, tend to make more money than lawyers who work in smaller towns. This is because there is a greater demand for lawyers in larger cities, and lawyers can charge higher rates for their services.
The type of law a lawyer practices can also affect their salary. Lawyers who practice corporate law tend to make more money than those who practice family law. Corporate law involves a lot of paperwork, and lawyers who specialize in this area can charge higher rates for their services.
How to Increase Your Salary as a Lawyer in New York
If you're a lawyer in New York looking to increase your salary, there are several steps you can take. First, you should consider specializing in a certain area of law. This will make you more marketable and give you an edge over other lawyers who do not specialize. You should also consider networking with other lawyers and building relationships with potential clients.
You should also consider working for a larger firm. Bigger firms tend to pay higher salaries and offer more benefits than smaller firms. You should also look into continuing education opportunities, such as attending seminars and workshops, to stay up to date on the latest laws and regulations.
Finally, you should consider relocating to a larger city or metropolitan area. Lawyers in larger cities tend to make more money than those in smaller towns. This is because there is a greater demand for lawyers in larger cities, and lawyers can charge higher rates for their services.
Conclusion
The average lawyer salary in New York is higher than the national average. Lawyers in New York City make the most, with a median salary of $164,110. Several factors can affect a lawyer's salary in New York, including the lawyer's experience, the industry they work in, and the size of the firm they work for. If you're a lawyer in New York looking to increase your salary, there are several steps you can take, such as specializing in a certain area of law, networking with other lawyers, and working for a larger firm.
