Entry-Level Lawyer Salary in Powell, WY: $85,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:New lawyers entering the Powell, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $85,838 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 23-1011, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Powell's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $89,601 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($147,997) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting out in the legal field in Powell, Wyoming, new graduates can anticipate an entry-level salary around $85,838 in 2026. This figure, while on the lower end of the spectrum, still offers a launching pad for several budding lawyers, especially considering the median salary of $147,997 within the city. With initial salaries typically positioned well below the median, newly licensed attorneys have a clear path for growth. As they gain experience over the first few years, many can expect to see their earnings rise to approximately $106,557 at the 25th percentile and potentially approach the median as they establish themselves in the profession. Given the current market conditions in Powell, this is a reasonable time for fresh law school graduates to enter the workforce and begin refining their legal careers.
About the Powell Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($110,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Powell
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 Powell
Entry-level lawyers in Powell, WY typically start between $85,838 and $106,557 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $143,557 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $147,997 — 11.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average legal practice program cost in Wyoming of $155,000 represents just 180.57% of the starting lawyer pay ($85,838/year) in Powell. 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 Powell
- 1Research the Powell market: entry-level lawyer pay ranges from $85,838 to $106,557, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Powell, 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 Powell for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Powell'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 Powell is $143,557 ( 167.24%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $85,838, experienced hygienists can earn up to $229,395.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$62,430
2025 BLS Actual
$81,985
2026 Current Est.
$85,838
2019–2027 Growth
+44.0%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Powell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,430 | Actual |
| 2020 | $64,335 | Actual |
| 2021 | $64,240 | Actual |
| 2022 | $69,545 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,481 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,985 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,873 | Projected |
Entry-level lawyer compensation (10th percentile) in Powell, WY grew 31.3% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $62,430 in 2019 to $81,985 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $89,873. New graduates entering the Powell job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Powell 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 Powell
New lawyers in Powell may find a number of potential employers willing to provide entry-level opportunities. Regional firms often look for newly minted JDs through clerkship programs, while government positions, such as those in state Attorney General offices or public defenders' offices, frequently recruit candidates from specific honors programs. The education and credentials a new grad possesses can significantly influence starting pay in WY. Obtaining a JD from an ABA-accredited law school and successfully passing the state bar exam are essential first steps. Additional qualifications, such as an LL.M. in a specialized area or patent bar registration, may open doors and lead to higher salaries. During the initial few years, realistic salary growth expectations may vary widely, particularly reflecting the bimodal nature of the legal market. While BigLaw can offer high starting salaries at the cost of demanding hours, many smaller firms provide a more balanced lifestyle with moderate compensation, maintaining a strong appeal for new lawyers seeking both growth and quality of life.
More salary data for Powell, WY:
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 Powell. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Powell 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