Los Angeles vs Sacramento: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and Sacramento, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $203,547▲ | $186,931 |
| Hourly Rate | $97.86▲ | $89.87 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $98,397▲ | $84,325 |
| 25th Percentile | $134,676▲ | $134,456 |
| 75th Percentile | $284,564▲ | $219,504 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $393,086▲ | $297,987 |
| Total Employed | 41,580▲ | 7,620 |
Verdict
Los Angeles, CA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Sacramento.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and Sacramento is $16,616 (8.89%). 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 Los Angeles spans $294,689,Sacramento spans $213,662. Los Angeles has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Los Angeles ($179,232 effective) pays 2.28% more than Sacramento ($175,242 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
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
Choose Sacramento if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Los Angeles grew 20.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Sacramento over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$161,390 (2019) → $194,410 (2025)
Sacramento, CA
$137,110 (2019) → $178,540 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
Sacramento, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Los Angeles or Sacramento?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and Sacramento?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles to Sacramento as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Los Angeles vs Sacramento?
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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