7 Personal Injury Attorney Salary Levels by State in 2025 (With Real Numbers)

Personal injury attorney salary levels continue to climb as the legal field expands by 10%, adding over 80,200 jobs from 2021 to 2031. The growing demand for these specialized lawyers is evident, with a 1.7% increase in personal injury attorneys across America in 2022 alone.

For those considering this career path, the financial rewards can be substantial. While the average personal injury attorney salary stands at $85,321, experienced professionals handling significant cases can earn upwards of $200,000 annually. Indeed, an entry-level personal injury attorney salary typically ranges from $50,000 to $70,000, but the earning potential increases dramatically with expertise and case selection.

The appeal of this specialization extends beyond just competitive compensation. With approximately 39 million personal injury cases occurring each year, there’s no shortage of opportunities for attorneys in this field. Furthermore, personal injury law consistently ranks among the highest-paying legal specializations, with top practitioners earning salaries exceeding $250,000 annually—significantly higher than the average United States lawyer’s income of $167,059.

States vary considerably in what they offer these legal professionals. For example, personal injury attorney salary in California might differ substantially from personal injury attorney salary in Florida due to factors like caseload volume, state regulations, and cost of living. This comprehensive breakdown examines the real numbers across seven key states, helping aspiring and practicing attorneys make informed decisions about where to build their careers in 2025.

California

Image Source: Novian & Novian, LLP

California leads the nation in both compensation and competition for legal professionals specializing in personal injury cases. With a robust legal market and laws favorable to plaintiffs, the Golden State presents lucrative opportunities alongside unique challenges for attorneys in this field.

California personal injury attorney average salary

California personal injury attorneys command some of the highest salaries in the legal profession nationally. According to Glassdoor data, the average personal injury attorney salary in California reaches $156,310 per year or $75 per hour, which stands 33% higher than the national average. Nevertheless, this figure varies considerably based on experience, location, and case types.

The earnings spectrum in California is particularly wide. Top-performing personal injury attorneys have reported earnings of up to $276,088 (90th percentile), highlighting the significant earning potential in this specialization. Meanwhile, the typical salary range falls between $117,233 (25th percentile) and $211,936 (75th percentile) annually.

Different sources provide slightly varying figures. Indeed reports an average of $148,233 per year based on 25 salary submissions in the past three years. Alternatively, ZipRecruiter cites a somewhat lower average of $117,329 annually. These variations likely reflect different sampling methodologies and regional differences within the state.

The State Bar of California’s 2025 salary ranges provide additional context, with Attorney I positions starting at $108,253 and reaching $162,242, while Attorney V positions range from $169,547 to $254,125. These official figures represent baseline expectations for attorneys in various roles and experience levels throughout the state.

California cost of living and demand

Despite the impressive salary figures, California’s notoriously high cost of living substantially impacts the real value of these earnings. As one source notes, “$171,500 in California might not go as far” as lower salaries in states with reduced living expenses. Housing costs, taxes, and general expenses in metropolitan areas like San Francisco and Los Angeles can quickly diminish the purchasing power of even six-figure salaries.

The state’s legal environment contributes to high demand for personal injury attorneys. California implements a pure comparative negligence rule, allowing plaintiffs to recover damages even when partially responsible for accidents. Consequently, this creates favorable conditions for personal injury cases and attracts many practitioners to the field.

Moreover, California maintains one of the highest concentrations of personal injury lawyers in the country, alongside Florida and Texas. This concentration stems from both the large population base and the legal framework that supports personal injury claims.

Salary variations exist even within California itself. ZipRecruiter data shows significant differences between cities, with Berkeley topping the list at $145,569 annually, followed by San Francisco at $140,068 and Santa Clara at $139,624. These geographic disparities generally align with local cost of living differences.

California salary trends for 2025

The outlook for personal injury attorney salaries in California remains positive heading into 2025. As evidenced by the State Bar of California’s 2025 salary ranges, compensation continues to increase across all attorney levels. Additionally, national trends indicate that salaries are rising, “particularly in states with larger populations and higher rates of litigation” – both characteristics that apply to California.

In urban centers like Los Angeles and San Francisco, attorneys specializing in personal injury can expect to earn between $130,000 and $220,000, especially those handling cases in lucrative sectors. The upward trajectory appears likely to continue as demand for legal services remains strong.

Location within the state continues to play a crucial role in determining salary potential. The limited 6% salary difference between Berkeley and Oakland suggests that metropolitan areas within California offer relatively consistent compensation at the higher end of the scale. However, opportunities for advancement remain plentiful, with skill level, experience, and case selection being key factors in salary growth.

For new attorneys entering the field, California offers a promising starting point, with entry-level personal injury lawyers typically earning between $60,000 and $100,000 nationwide, though California’s figures likely fall at the higher end of this spectrum.

Texas

Image Source: BCG Attorney Search

Texas stands out as a notable contender in the personal injury legal market, ranking third nationwide for personal injury lawyer income. With its business-friendly economy and no state income tax, the Lone Star State offers attorneys an attractive balance of earning potential and affordability.

Texas personal injury attorney average salary

The average annual salary for personal injury attorneys in Texas varies across different reporting sources. According to ZipRecruiter, Texas personal injury lawyers earn an average of $110,761 per year as of September 2025, equivalent to approximately $53.25 per hour. In contrast to this figure, Indeed reports a somewhat lower average of $101,121 annually, which is 17% below the national average.

SalaryExpert provides yet another perspective, citing an average gross salary of $101,298 or about $49 per hour, which is actually 2% higher than the national average for this specialization.

The earning range for Texas personal injury attorneys is quite broad. ZipRecruiter data shows salaries ranging from $49,844 at the lower end to $179,810 for top earners. Most practitioners fall within the 25th to 75th percentile range of $83,400 to $129,500 annually.

Notably, location within Texas significantly impacts earning potential. Given that Texas houses multiple distinct legal markets, salaries can vary substantially between cities:

City	Annual Salary	Hourly Rate
Odessa	$119,965	$57.68
Austin	$117,841	$56.65
Dallas	$117,606	$56.54
Houston	$114,645	$55.21

As shown by this data, Odessa offers the highest average salaries, exceeding the state average by 8.3%.

Texas legal market overview

Texas boasts the second largest population in the United States and offers diverse options for legal practice. The state hosts three primary legal markets: Houston, Dallas, and Austin, each with distinct characteristics.

Houston, as the fourth largest U.S. city, represents Texas’s largest legal market. Known as the “Energy Capital of the World,” Houston’s legal landscape is heavily influenced by the energy industry, although firms have increasingly diversified their practices. Specifically, approximately half of AmLaw 100 firms maintain offices in Houston, and fourteen of the fifteen largest law firms by revenue operate there.

Dallas constitutes the second largest legal market in Texas and offers a more diversified legal environment less dependent on energy. In terms of accessibility, Dallas remains the most welcoming Texas market for attorneys without strong local connections.

Austin, specifically, has experienced substantial growth fueled by its expanding technology sector, with major firms like Kirkland & Ellis recently establishing offices there. Nevertheless, this market is exceptionally difficult to enter without strong ties to the region.

Overall, Texas hosts over 95 Fortune 500 company headquarters, creating abundant opportunities for personal injury attorneys. Since 2010, more than 300 corporations have relocated to Texas, further strengthening the state’s legal market.

Texas salary trends for 2025

Looking toward 2025, Texas personal injury attorneys can anticipate steady salary growth. Based on SalaryExpert projections, salaries are expected to increase by approximately 13% over five years, reaching an estimated $114,610 by 2030.

Entry-level personal injury attorneys in Texas (1-3 years experience) currently earn around $69,870 on average, whereas senior attorneys (8+ years experience) command substantially higher salaries averaging $126,343.

Job market activity presents a mixed picture. ZipRecruiter reports that the Texas personal injury lawyer job market is “not very active” with relatively few companies currently hiring. On the other hand, the state’s continued corporate relocation trend and business-friendly environment suggest ongoing demand for legal services.

An important advantage for Texas attorneys is the state’s lower cost of living, which is approximately 10% below the national average. This favorable cost structure means that Texas attorneys often enjoy greater purchasing power compared to colleagues earning similar salaries in higher-cost states.

Florida

Image Source: BCG Attorney Search

Florida emerges as a complex landscape for personal injury attorneys in 2025, with salaries reflecting both opportunities and challenges in the Sunshine State’s competitive legal market. As America’s third-largest state by population, Florida presents unique considerations for legal professionals weighing career options against earning potential.

Florida personal injury attorney average salary

The average annual salary for personal injury attorneys in Florida currently stands at $95,640, equivalent to roughly $46.00 hourly or $7,970 monthly. This places Florida 38th nationwide for personal injury lawyer compensation, illustrating the state’s moderate position in the national salary landscape.

Earnings in Florida vary substantially based on experience and location. Salary ranges span from $74,194 (10th percentile) to $113,876 (90th percentile), with most professionals falling between $84,414 (25th percentile) and $105,185 (75th percentile). This $20,771 gap between quartiles highlights significant room for advancement within the field.

Alternative data sources present slightly different figures, with SalaryExpert reporting an average of $97,312 annually, and LawCrossing citing $107,500. ZipRecruiter provides a more conservative estimate of $75,197 yearly, illustrating the variability in reported compensation.

Experience significantly impacts earning potential. Entry-level attorneys (1-3 years experience) typically earn around $67,120, whereas senior practitioners (8+ years) command approximately $121,371. This substantial difference underscores the value of career longevity in this specialization.

Florida legal environment and demand

In terms of geographic distribution, certain Florida cities offer notably higher salaries. Warrington leads with $101,237 annually, followed closely by Port St. Lucie at $100,623 and Plantation at $99,952. The relative consistency among top-paying locations suggests a stable upper market across Florida’s metropolitan areas.

A key consideration for attorneys practicing in Florida is that earnings typically run 5.4% below national averages. This difference may relate to market saturation, as Florida maintains one of the highest concentrations of personal injury attorneys nationwide, alongside California and Texas.

Regarding legal market composition, Florida’s bar survey indicates approximately 24% of female respondents work in government positions, compared to only 6% of male respondents. Throughout the state, 64% of lawyers operate in solo practices or settings with five or fewer attorneys, indicating a landscape dominated by smaller firms.

Florida salary trends for 2025

Looking ahead, projections suggest Florida personal injury attorney salaries will reach approximately $110,099 by 2030, representing a 13% increase over five years. This growth trajectory, while positive, places Florida in a moderate position compared to faster-growing markets.

Currently, Florida’s cost of living registers at 10% higher than the national average, somewhat offsetting the salary levels. This higher expense burden means Florida attorneys must consider the practical value of their earnings when comparing opportunities across states.

The hourly billing landscape offers additional context for income potential. Approximately 85% of Florida attorneys report hourly rates exceeding $275, while 54% charge more than $350 per hour. These figures represent significant increases from previous years, when only 36% of lawyers reported billing over $300 hourly.

Finally, attorneys can find encouragement in recent profitability trends, with 35% of respondents reporting increased profitability over the past two years, and 37% anticipating business growth in the coming two years. These indicators suggest a cautiously optimistic outlook for Florida’s personal injury attorneys heading into 2025.

New York

Image Source: New York City Comptroller – NYC.gov

The Empire State ranks among the top destinations for personal injury attorneys seeking premium compensation. With its dense population and high litigation rates, New York presents a distinctive combination of substantial earning potential alongside formidable cost-of-living challenges.

New York personal injury attorney average salary

First and foremost, New York personal injury attorneys earn considerably higher incomes than their counterparts in most states. As of September 2025, ZipRecruiter reports an average annual salary of $130,065, equivalent to approximately $62.53 per hour or $10,838 monthly. Salary.com offers a slightly more conservative figure of $117,139 annually, or about $56 per hour. In comparison, Glassdoor cites a higher average of $139,335 yearly.

Compensation ranges vary substantially throughout the state. ZipRecruiter data indicates most New York personal injury attorneys earn between $97,900 (25th percentile) and $152,100 (75th percentile), with top performers (90th percentile) making $189,267 annually. Glassdoor presents an even wider range, with salaries spanning from $105,240 to $186,592.

Geographic location within New York creates notable salary differences. Port Chester leads with the highest annual compensation at $131,713, followed closely by Manhattan at $131,206. Curiously, the differential between the highest and lowest paying major cities is merely 2%, suggesting consistent compensation across metropolitan areas.

New York firm size and specialization impact

Firm size plays a decisive role in determining attorney earnings. According to salary analysis, senior personal injury attorneys command approximately 14.5% higher salaries ($18,880 more) than standard positions. SalaryExpert confirms this trend, noting entry-level attorneys (1-3 years experience) typically earn $83,130, whereas senior attorneys (8+ years experience) average $150,320.

Clearly, New York attorneys earn substantially more than national averages, with Salary.com reporting a 9% premium over nationwide figures. This advantage stems partially from the state’s legal environment, as New York is frequently cited among the states where personal injury attorneys earn the most.

The financial district and specialized practice areas contribute to higher earning potential. Attorneys focusing on complex personal injury cases such as medical malpractice or wrongful death typically command premium rates. Simultaneously, population density and accident rates in urban areas create steady demand for these legal services.

New York salary trends for 2025

Looking ahead, the salary outlook remains positive, albeit with some limitations. SalaryExpert projects personal injury attorney salaries in New York will reach approximately $136,361 by 2030, representing a 13% increase over five years.

Presently, economic advancement opportunities appear restricted, as ZipRecruiter reports the New York personal injury attorney job market is “not very active” with few companies actively hiring. In fact, New York ranks 50th out of 50 states for personal injury attorney salaries according to some metrics, suggesting potential market saturation.

The substantial cost of living presents a significant consideration for attorneys practicing in New York. Living expenses run approximately 78% above the national average, eroding much of the salary advantage. Accordingly, attorneys must weigh higher nominal salaries against increased expenses when evaluating opportunities.

In essence, while New York offers some of the highest raw salary figures for personal injury attorneys nationwide, the practical value of these earnings is tempered by living costs and market competition. Nevertheless, for attorneys able to establish themselves in specialized niches or at prestigious firms, the financial rewards remain substantial.

Illinois

Image Source: ZipRecruiter

Illinois stands fifth nationwide for legal compensation, offering personal injury attorneys substantial earning opportunities in the Land of Lincoln. The state presents distinct salary variations between its urban centers and rural areas, creating a multi-tiered compensation landscape for legal professionals.

Illinois personal injury attorney average salary

In Chicago, personal injury attorneys earn an average of $104,454 annually as of October 2025, which equals approximately $50 hourly or $8,705 monthly. This positions Chicago practitioners slightly higher (1.4%) than national averages. Alternatively, SalaryExpert reports a marginally higher figure of $105,612 yearly, about $51 per hour.

The earnings range reveals considerable variation, with salaries typically spanning from $81,031 to $124,370 annually. Most Chicago personal injury attorneys fall between the 25th percentile ($92,194) and 75th percentile ($114,879), while top performers (90th percentile) command $124,370 yearly.

ZipRecruiter presents a more optimistic picture, citing an average of $122,470 annually for Chicago practitioners, with top earners reaching $178,215. LawCrossing offers a more moderate estimate of $104,000, aligning closely with Salary.com’s figures.

Experience substantially influences compensation, with entry-level attorneys (1-3 years experience) averaging $72,845 annually, whereas senior practitioners (8+ years) earn approximately $131,723.

Illinois urban vs rural salary differences

Correspondingly, location within Illinois creates dramatic salary disparities. Attorneys in the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin metropolitan area earn the highest average at $163,220, far surpassing other regions. For instance, practitioners in:

• Peoria: $146,910
• Bloomington: $150,530
• Springfield: $128,290
• Rockford: $109,620
• West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area: $97,740

This $65,480 gap between Chicago and rural Western Illinois underscores the substantial urban premium. Even within metropolitan areas, differences exist; for instance, Chicago currently ranks 265th statewide for personal injury lawyer job salaries, suggesting other specialized legal roles may offer higher compensation in certain locations.

Illinois salary trends for 2025

Looking ahead, the salary trajectory for Illinois personal injury attorneys appears positive. SalaryExpert projects growth of approximately 13% over five years, estimating average salaries will reach $119,491 by 2030. This growth rate aligns with nationwide trends for personal injury attorneys.

The state’s general upward trend follows the broader pattern where “salaries continue to trend upward, particularly in states with larger populations and higher rates of litigation”, both characteristics Illinois possesses. As the fifth-highest paying state for all lawyers with an average of $158,030, Illinois maintains its position as a premium market for legal professionals.

For Chicago specifically, the substantial cost of living (41% above national average) impacts the practical value of these salaries. Hence, attorneys considering practice in Illinois must weigh higher nominal earnings against increased expenses, especially in metropolitan areas.

Massachusetts

Image Source: BCG Attorney Search

Massachusetts emerges as a top-paying state for personal injury attorneys in 2025, ranking consistently among premium legal markets nationwide. The Bay State presents a unique combination of high employment rates and competitive salaries that attracts legal talent from across the country.

Massachusetts personal injury attorney average salary

Currently, personal injury attorneys in Massachusetts command substantial compensation, with Glassdoor reporting an average annual salary of $149,344 or approximately $72 per hour. This figure stands 4% higher than the national average, positioning Massachusetts as a financially rewarding destination for legal professionals.

Regarding salary ranges, most Massachusetts practitioners earn between $122,300 (25th percentile) and $184,111 (75th percentile) annually. Top performers in the 90th percentile report earnings reaching $221,399, illustrating the significant upward mobility within this specialization.

In Boston specifically, ZipRecruiter cites a slightly lower average of $129,151 annually or approximately $62.09 hourly. Similarly, Indeed reports Boston personal injury lawyers earning around $130,331 yearly.

Experience levels dramatically impact earning potential:

Experience Level	Annual Salary
Entry-level (1-3 years)	$71,050
Senior (8+ years)	$128,477

Interestingly, Massachusetts outpaces many states in attorney employment metrics, with over 42,000 practicing lawyers and an employment rate comparable to Florida’s 97.1%.

Massachusetts legal job outlook

The legal employment market in Massachusetts remains robust. As evidenced by recent trends, the state’s substantial attorney population creates both opportunities and competition. ZipRecruiter characterizes the Boston personal injury attorney job market as “very active”, contrasting with less favorable conditions in some previously discussed states.

Regarding geographic variations, certain Massachusetts cities offer premium compensation. For instance, North Dartmouth’s average salary of $103,009 exceeds the U.S. average by 4%, whereas Attorney I positions in Hull command $111,638 annually.

Massachusetts salary trends for 2025

Looking toward future growth, Massachusetts shows promising salary progression. Over time, SalaryExpert data suggests personal injury attorney salaries may increase approximately 13% over five years, aligning with national projections.

Even more noteworthy, Massachusetts consistently ranks among top-paying states for attorneys. Some sources place it as high as first nationwide, with ZipRecruiter stating “personal injury attorneys make the most in Massachusetts”.

One caveat for practitioners: the cost of living in Massachusetts runs approximately 27% above the national average, somewhat offsetting the higher nominal salaries. Nonetheless, the state’s strong employment metrics and competitive compensation make it an attractive option for personal injury attorneys seeking financial stability and career growth in 2025.

Georgia

Image Source: CasePeer

Georgia exhibits a unique salary landscape for personal injury attorneys in 2025, with substantial differences between metropolitan Atlanta and the rest of the state. Unlike other legal markets, the Peach State’s compensation structure reflects both geographic concentration and limited market activity.

Georgia personal injury attorney average salary

In Atlanta, personal injury lawyers earn approximately $197,840 annually, placing the capital city significantly above statewide averages. Conversely, the typical Georgia personal injury attorney earns between $97,490 and $173,978 per year, with hourly rates ranging from $47 to $84[271].

The earnings spectrum varies substantially across data sources. Salary.com reports the majority of practitioners falling between $159,727 (25th percentile) and $191,066 (75th percentile), whereas Glassdoor cites a narrower range of $111,476 to $165,358.

Experience remains a key salary determinant. Entry-level attorneys earn approximately $170,859 annually, while experts with 8+ years command $185,458—a relatively modest 8.5% premium compared to other states’ experience-based differentials.

Georgia market saturation and competition

Interestingly, secondary cities show markedly lower compensation. Duluth practitioners average $122,573, while ZipRecruiter reports Sandy Springs at $118,030 and Dunwoody at $117,806. Throughout Georgia, the typical salary gap between top-earning and lower-earning cities hovers around 3%, suggesting consistent metropolitan compensation patterns.

Yet Georgia currently ranks 29th nationwide for personal injury lawyer salaries, with ZipRecruiter positioning it 50th among all states. This lackluster ranking likely reflects market saturation issues, as evidenced by the “not very active” job market description.

Georgia salary trends for 2025

Looking ahead, salary growth appears modest. Top earners (90th percentile) currently make $206,624 or $146,078, depending on the source. The pronounced salary range ($21,172 gap between 25th and 75th percentiles) indicates reasonable advancement opportunities based on skill development and specialization.

For aspiring attorneys, Georgia offers an unusual combination of high ceiling potential in Atlanta alongside more moderate compensation throughout the rest of the state.

Comparison Table

State	Average Annual Salary	Salary Range (25th-75th)	Entry-Level Salary	Senior-Level Salary	Cost of Living vs National	Market Activity/Outlook
California	$156,310	$117,233 – $211,936	$60,000 – $100,000	Not mentioned	Significantly higher	Strong demand, positive outlook
Texas	$110,761	$83,400 – $129,500	$69,870	$126,343	10% below average	“Not very active”
Florida	$95,640	$84,414 – $105,185	$67,120	$121,371	10% above average	Cautiously optimistic
New York	$130,065	$97,900 – $152,100	$83,130	$150,320	78% above average	“Not very active”
Illinois	$104,454	$92,194 – $114,879	$72,845	$131,723	41% above average	Positive growth trend
Massachusetts	$149,344	$122,300 – $184,111	$71,050	$128,477	27% above average	“Very active”
Georgia	$197,840*	$159,727 – $191,066	$170,859	$185,458	Not mentioned	“Not very active”

*Atlanta-specific figure

Conclusion

Personal injury attorney salaries demonstrate remarkable variance across states, reflecting diverse legal landscapes throughout America. California and Massachusetts lead the pack with averages of $156,310 and $149,344 respectively, whereas Florida trails at $95,640 annually. These differences highlight how geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for legal professionals specializing in personal injury cases.

Several factors clearly influence these salary discrepancies. Experience remains a primary determinant, with senior attorneys earning premium salaries 40-80% higher than their entry-level counterparts in most states. Additionally, metropolitan areas consistently outperform rural regions, exemplified by the $65,480 gap between Chicago and rural Western Illinois practitioners.

Cost of living essentially neutralizes many apparent advantages of higher-paying states. Though New York offers substantial compensation at $130,065 annually, its living expenses run 78% above national averages, drastically reducing the practical value of those earnings. Similarly, attorneys practicing in California face housing costs that diminish six-figure incomes. Conversely, Texas presents an attractive alternative with its $110,761 average salary coupled with living costs 10% below national standards.

Market activity varies dramatically between regions. Massachusetts stands out with a “very active” hiring landscape, while Texas, New York, and Georgia all report less robust job markets despite differing salary structures. These activity levels provide critical context beyond raw compensation figures for attorneys considering relocation.

Specialized practice areas, firm size, and case selection further widen earning potential. Attorneys handling complex medical malpractice or wrongful death cases typically command premium compensation. Likewise, practitioners in larger firms generally earn substantially more than solo attorneys or those in small practices.

Future projections appear cautiously optimistic across all surveyed states, with anticipated growth of approximately 13% over the next five years. Nevertheless, this growth will likely manifest unevenly, favoring states with larger populations and higher litigation rates.

Attorneys weighing career moves must therefore balance multiple considerations beyond raw salary figures. The ideal location combines reasonable cost of living, active job market, and competitive compensation aligned with one’s experience level and specialization. Though California and Massachusetts offer impressive nominal salaries, states like Texas provide better overall value when accounting for living expenses and lifestyle factors. Ultimately, personal preferences regarding climate, cultural amenities, and family considerations should accompany financial calculations when determining optimal practice locations.