Burbank vs Los Angeles: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Burbank, CA and Los Angeles, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Burbank, CA | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $173,550 | $203,547▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $83.44 | $97.86▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $100,659▲ | $98,397 |
| 25th Percentile | $124,955 | $134,676▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $222,144 | $284,564▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $269,002 | $393,086▲ |
| Total Employed | 22 | 41,580▲ |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Burbank.
The salary gap between Burbank and Los Angeles is $29,997 (17.28%). Los Angeles's median is +21.76% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Burbank spans $168,343,Los Angeles spans $294,689. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced lawyers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($179,232 effective) pays 16.80% more than Burbank ($153,448 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Burbank if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($203,547/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($393,086)
- ✓Larger job market (41,580 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $179,232)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Burbank grew -26.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Los Angeles over the same period.
Burbank, CA
$224,525 (2024) → $165,759 (2025)
Los Angeles, CA
$161,390 (2019) → $194,410 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Burbank, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Burbank or Los Angeles?
What is the hourly rate difference between Burbank and Los Angeles?
Should I relocate from Burbank to Los Angeles as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Burbank vs Los Angeles?
Related Comparisons
Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 4.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov