Entry-Level Lawyer Salary in Plymouth, MA: $75,200 (2026)
Quick Answer:New lawyers entering the Plymouth, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $75,200 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 23-1011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Plymouth's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $69,309 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($129,655) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out as a lawyer in Plymouth, Massachusetts, new graduates can expect a starting salary that falls around $75,200 in 2026. This entry-level compensation is considerably lower than the median annual salary of $129,655 for the city, indicating a substantial gap to bridge early in one's career. However, this starting figure is not isolating; as early-career lawyers navigate their path over the first few years, salaries can feasibly grow as they gain experience and establish their footing—rising to around $93,352 by the 25th percentile. With a projected annual growth rate of 4.70%, Plymouth remains a viable market for new law graduates, given the evolving legal landscape and opportunities available to those willing to seek diverse experiences and positions.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($182,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Plymouth
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Entry-level lawyers in Plymouth, MA typically start between $75,200 and $93,352 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $125,765 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $129,655 — 22.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average legal practice program cost in Massachusetts of $285,000 represents just 378.99% of the starting lawyer pay ($75,200/year) in Plymouth. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect combined undergraduate tuition plus ABA-accredited law school tuition. Costs vary significantly between public in-state, public out-of-state, and private law schools. Figures exclude living expenses and bar exam costs.
Esq Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Plymouth
- 1Research the Plymouth market: entry-level lawyer pay ranges from $75,200 to $93,352, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the legal practice field — employers in MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Plymouth, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Plymouth for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Plymouth's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Lawyer Compensation Range
The lawyer wage spread in Plymouth is $125,765 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $75,200, experienced hygienists can earn up to $200,965.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,693
2025 BLS Actual
$71,824
2026 Current Est.
$75,200
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,693 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,361 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,279 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,926 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,941 | Actual |
| 2024 | $115,315 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,824 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,200 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,734 | Projected |
Entry-level lawyer compensation (10th percentile) in Plymouth, MA grew 31.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $54,693 in 2019 to $71,824 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $78,734. New graduates entering the Plymouth job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your legal practice Career in Plymouth
When considering potential employers in Plymouth, new graduates should focus on a mix of opportunities—from larger law firms that often conduct on-campus interviews for first-year associate roles to smaller practices, which typically look for candidates with clerkship experience. Government attorney offices provide stability and the chance for impactful work, albeit generally with lower starting pay compared to private sector roles. To stand out, a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and successful passage of the state bar exam are essential credentials. Additionally, pursuing advanced degrees or certifications, such as an LL.M. or registration for the patent bar, can enhance job prospects and earning potential. In terms of early career strategy, graduates may find that while BigLaw positions offer higher initial salaries, they also come with intense demands in terms of billable hours. Conversely, smaller firms and in-house roles may provide a better work-life balance with slower, yet consistent salary growth. Understanding the nuances of these various pathways is vital for first-year lawyers navigating their careers in Plymouth and across MA.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new legal practice graduates. A 4.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Plymouth. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Plymouth is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for lawyers (SOC 23-1011).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov