Fairfax vs Richmond: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Fairfax, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairfax, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $127,016 | $151,721▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $61.06 | $72.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,669 | $80,839▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $91,451 | $105,213▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $162,580 | $225,817▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $196,875 | $358,189▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 3,780▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairfax.
The salary gap between Fairfax and Richmond is $24,705 (19.45%). Richmond's median is -9.24% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairfax spans $123,206,Richmond spans $277,350. Richmond 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, Richmond ($155,042 effective) pays 25.97% more than Fairfax ($123,078 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairfax if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($151,721/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($358,189)
- ✓Larger job market (3,780 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $155,042)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Fairfax grew -22.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 22.6% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Fairfax, VA
$155,670 (2024) → $121,314 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$118,170 (2019) → $144,910 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairfax, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Fairfax or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairfax and Richmond?
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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