Entry-Level Lawyer Salary in Randolph, MA: $74,231 (2026)
Quick Answer:New lawyers entering the Randolph, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $74,231 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 23-1011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Randolph's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $68,416 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($127,985) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new law graduates entering the workforce in Randolph, Massachusetts, the starting salary can be quite varied, with the lower end of the spectrum clocking in at around $74,231. This figure underscores the significant gap compared to the city’s median annual salary of $127,985, highlighting the financial challenges often faced by entry-level attorneys. Over time, newly minted lawyers can expect to see their earnings grow, moving towards the $92,150 mark—representing the 25th percentile—as they gain experience and establish themselves in the legal field. With an annual growth rate of 4.70%, Randolph appears to provide a solid market for fresh graduates, making it a reasonable choice for those looking to embark on their legal careers while not immediately contending with the high-stakes compensation found in major urban centers.
About the Randolph Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($182,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Randolph
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 Randolph
Entry-level lawyers in Randolph, MA typically start between $74,231 and $92,150 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $124,146 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $127,985 — 23.44% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average legal practice program cost in Massachusetts of $285,000 represents just 383.94% of the starting lawyer pay ($74,231/year) in Randolph. 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 Randolph
- 1Research the Randolph market: entry-level lawyer pay ranges from $74,231 to $92,150, 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 Randolph, 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 Randolph for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Randolph'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 Randolph is $124,146 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $74,231, experienced hygienists can earn up to $198,377.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$53,989
2025 BLS Actual
$70,899
2026 Current Est.
$74,231
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Randolph (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,989 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,635 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,554 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,141 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,118 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,899 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,231 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,720 | Projected |
Entry-level lawyer compensation (10th percentile) in Randolph, MA grew 31.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $53,989 in 2019 to $70,899 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $77,720. New graduates entering the Randolph job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Randolph 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 Randolph
In Randolph, several types of employers actively recruit new lawyers, yet the opportunities often depend on the specific interests and career objectives of graduates. Larger law firms might not be as prevalent here compared to Boston, but mid-sized and small firms often provide a more accessible pathway through organic growth and clerkship opportunities. Those aiming for higher credentials, such as an LL.M., can enhance starting lawyer pay in MA, although not essential at entry-level. Getting accepted into state bar programs is crucial, but additional characteristics such as socio-economic background will cross paths with potential public interest roles which, while financially lower on the scale, offer student loan forgiveness options. Generally, in the first three years, a newly hired lawyer can anticipate annual increases based on performance or billable hours worked, especially within the mid-market, where a more balanced lifestyle can accompany reasonable salary growth, distinguishing this region from the intense demands associated with BigLaw environments or government positions.
More salary data for Randolph, 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 Randolph. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Randolph 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