Lawyer Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $122,409 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $122,409/year (≈ $58.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $112,819 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual lawyer salary in Chelmsford, Massachusetts set at $122,409 for 2026, the local pay landscape reveals significant variance among different legal practice types. From the lower end of the pay scale at $70,997 (P10) to the top tier at $189,734 (P90), salaries reflect the divided nature of the legal profession in this region. For instance, lawyers working in large firms or corporate settings may command higher salaries, influenced by the intense competition and high demands typical of the BigLaw environment. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations, confirming that Chelmsford's legal market is markedly lower than the national median of $167,174, pointing to potential limitations on salary growth and earning potential relative to major urban centers.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($182,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $70,997 | $34.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $88,134 | $42.37 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $122,409 | $58.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $156,684 | $75.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $189,734 | $91.21 |
Median Salary Position
26.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $118,737 (2026 est.). At $122,409, the local median is 26.78% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Lawyer Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $122,409/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $128,716 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | -26.78% less |
Lawyers in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $122,409 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.78% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $128,716.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $122,409 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $112,819 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$90,034
2025 BLS Actual
$116,914
2026 Current Est.
$122,409
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $90,034 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,941 | Actual |
| 2021 | $93,717 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,392 | Actual |
| 2023 | $106,729 | Actual |
| 2024 | $187,707 | Actual |
| 2025 | $116,914 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $122,409 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $128,162 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $90,034 (2019) to $116,914 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $128,162 by 2027 — a total increase of $38,128 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $70,997 – $88,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $88,134 – $122,409 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $122,409 – $156,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $156,684 – $189,734 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Chelmsford
In terms of job availability, Chelmsford currently employs eight lawyers, suggesting a small yet stable market. The cost of living index stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries might appear attractive, the local expenses can diminish overall purchasing power, which is essential for aspiring legal professionals. Among local employers, larger firms may offer higher wages compared to smaller boutique practices, but they also come with greater expectations in terms of hours and billables. To maximize earning potential in this market, lawyers should consider developing expertise in areas with high demand, positioning themselves for in-house roles or exploring partnerships in regional firms where the balance of lifestyle and compensation is more favorable. Understanding the nuances of the local job market and effectively navigating its competitive aspects will be crucial in ensuring successful career advancement in Chelmsford's legal field.
More salary data for Chelmsford, 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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $116,914 for lawyersin the Chelmsford metropolitan area. A 4.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Chelmsford 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