Wellesley vs Worcester: Lawyer Salary (2026)
Compare lawyer salaries between Wellesley, MA and Worcester, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Wellesley, MA | Worcester, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $122,339 | $135,482▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $58.82 | $65.13▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,956▲ | $67,751 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,084▲ | $87,456 |
| 75th Percentile | $156,594 | $208,060▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $189,625 | $321,481▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 1,210▲ |
Verdict
Worcester, MA offers better overall compensation for lawyers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wellesley.
The salary gap between Wellesley and Worcester is $13,143 (10.74%). Worcester's median is -18.96% compared to the US national median of $167,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Wellesley spans $118,669,Worcester spans $253,730. Worcester 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, Worcester ($132,148 effective) pays 17.20% more than Wellesley ($112,755 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Wellesley if…
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Choose Worcester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($135,482/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($321,481)
- ✓Larger job market (1,210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $132,148)
- ✓You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, lawyer salaries in Wellesley grew -37.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 28.8% growth in Worcester over the same period.
Wellesley, MA
$187,600 (2024) → $116,847 (2025)
Worcester, MA
$100,450 (2019) → $129,400 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Wellesley, MA
Worcester, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays lawyers more: Wellesley or Worcester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Wellesley and Worcester?
Should I relocate from Wellesley to Worcester as a lawyer?
What do entry-level lawyers earn in Wellesley vs Worcester?
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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