Lawyer Salary in Framingham, MA: $129,074 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Framingham, MA earns a median $129,074/year (≈ $62.06/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Framingham's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $118,962 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, lawyers in Framingham, Massachusetts, can expect to earn a median salary of $129,074, reflecting the local demand for legal expertise. The salary range is notable, stretching from $74,863 in the lower 10th percentile to $200,065 for those in the top 90th percentile. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parity. Compared to the national median of $167,174, lawyer pay in Framingham MA is approximately 22.79% lower, but the city's legal market offers unique opportunities for growth and specialization amid a competitive landscape. Billable hour expectations heavily influence compensation, typically requiring lawyers to maintain targets between 1,800 and 2,400 hours annually to maximize earnings potential at law firms.
About the Framingham Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($182,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,863 | $36.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $92,934 | $44.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $129,074 | $62.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $165,215 | $79.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $200,065 | $96.19 |
Median Salary Position
22.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Framingham
In Framingham, MA, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $125,202 (2026 est.). At $129,074, the local median is 22.79% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Framingham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Framingham Lawyer Pay Compares
Framingham median: $129,074/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Framingham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $128,817 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $167,174 | -22.79% less |
Lawyers in Framingham, MA earn a median of $129,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.79% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 0.20% above the Massachusetts state average of $128,817.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Framingham has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Framingham, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $129,074 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $118,962 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,936
2025 BLS Actual
$123,280
2026 Current Est.
$129,074
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Framingham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,936 | Actual |
| 2020 | $98,002 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,820 | Actual |
| 2022 | $104,804 | Actual |
| 2023 | $112,540 | Actual |
| 2024 | $197,927 | Actual |
| 2025 | $123,280 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $129,074 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $135,141 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Framingham metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $94,936 (2019) to $123,280 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $135,141 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,205 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Framingham 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) | $74,863 – $92,934 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $92,934 – $129,074 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $129,074 – $165,215 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $165,215 – $200,065 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Framingham
The job market in Framingham shows promising stability, with 17 lawyers currently employed in the area. However, the cost of living index sits above the national average at 108.5, which can impact take-home pay and purchasing power for legal professionals. BigLaw firms with significant resources generally dominate the upper salary spectrum, but mid-size and regional firms also offer competitive compensation while often providing a healthier work-life balance. The disparity between salaries arises from factors such as firm size, market location, billable hours, and bonus structures. For aspiring lawyers in Framingham, pursuing opportunities with top regional firms or in-house roles may yield higher pay, while those interested in public sector positions should consider the benefits of student loan forgiveness programs. Building a strong network and continuing education can also enhance earning potential within this evolving market.
More salary data for Framingham, 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 $123,280 for lawyersin the Framingham 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 Framingham 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