Legal Associate Salary in the United States

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How much does a Legal Associate make?

As of April 01, 2025, the average annual salary for a Legal Associate in the United States is $176,676. Salary.com reports that pay typically ranges from $153,976 to $199,406, with most professionals earning between $133,308 and $220,101.

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Salary range for an Legal Associate
$153,976 to $199,406
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Legal Associate Salary in Major Cities

This chart shows the salary comparison for Legal Associate between major cities. San Francisco City consistently ranks #1 as of April 01, 2025. Click on the chart to see the detail salary data for Legal Associate in each city.

Legal Associate Salary by City

Click to see the salary for Legal Associate in these major U.S. cities.
City Name Average Salary
San Francisco, CA $220,651
Washington, DC $195,616
Miami, FL $169,750
Chicago, IL $182,577
Boston, MA $197,047
New York, NY $204,750
Dallas, TX $174,468
If you'd like know Legal Associate Salary in other cities, then please select a city in

Average Salary Range for Legal Associate

Average Base Salary

Core compensation

 
 
 
153976
199406
176676

Average Total Cash Compensation

Includes base and annual incentives

 
 
 
164781
225124
193498
What is the average salary for Legal Associate in 2025?
These charts show the average base salary (core compensation), as well as the average total cash compensation for the job of Legal Associate in the United States. The base salary for Legal Associate ranges from $153,976 to $199,406 with the average base salary of $176,676. The total cash compensation, which includes base, and annual incentives, can vary anywhere from $164,781 to $225,124 with the average total cash compensation of $193,498.

View Average Salary for Legal Associate as table

Average Salary Average Salary Range
Base Salary $176,676 $153,976 - $199,406
Bonus $16,822 $10,805 - $25,717
Total Pay $193,498 $164,781 - $225,124
* Base Salary represents gross income before taxes and deductions. It does not include additional pay such as benefits, bonuses, profit sharing or commissions.
* Total Pay combines base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job.

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Salary.com Estimate Salary Tool provides free, accurate and real-time salary for thousands of careers. Please enter the following pay factors for Legal Associate, to get a real-time salary target. If you want to get more detailed salary information, please view Professional Salary Report
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Your target salary is ?
153976
199406

 

Comments about Legal Associate

What's the difference between Associate Legal Counsel and Legal Associate?
According to our latest salary estimation on April 01, 2025. The average salary of Legal Associate is $176,676, and the average salary of Associate Legal Counsel is $247,300. The average salary of Associate Legal Counsel is higher than Legal Associate. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
I am a Legal Associate, which location’s salary is higher, Riverside, CA or Bossier City, LA?
Riverside, CA typically sees higher pay than Bossier City, LA for Legal Associate. a Legal Associate Salary in Riverside, CA is $186,411 as of April 01, 2025; a Legal Associate Salary in Bossier City, LA is $162,083 as of April 01, 2025. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Legal Associate Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the salary of a Legal Associate vary from city to city?
The cost of living is tied to salaries. If the expenses are higher in a particular city, then the wage level will be higher as well to afford the people can opportunity to live there. This is why you're always going to make more money in New York City for example, than in a small town. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
What are the Pay Factors for Legal Associate?
Salary ranges for a Legal Associate can vary widely, depending on the city and several other pay factors, including (but not limited to) education level, certifications, additional skills, and work experience. Click here to view Eight Factors That Can Affect Your Pay ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )
How the Pay Factors Influence Your Pay?
Salaries are ultimately dictated by the position being applied to, and hiring company, but there are several important pay factors that come into play based on your individual history that could impact your value to the company. Salary.com's Personal Salary Report will analyze these factors for you to help you maximize your earning potential. ( 2025-03-25 salary.com )

Recently searched related titles: Business Attorney, Contracts Attorney, Senior Trial Attorney

Learn more about: Compensation Packages, Employee Flight Risk, Gender Pay Gap, Job Openings for This Role

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Last Update: April 01, 2025