Lawyer Salary in Chesterfield, MO: $104,367 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Chesterfield, MO earns a median $104,367/year (≈ $50.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Chesterfield's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 89.6), that paycheck buys what $116,481 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Missouri state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, lawyers in Chesterfield, Missouri, can expect a median annual salary of $104,367, which is notably lower than the national median of $167,174. The local salary range spans from $60,533 for the lowest earners (10th percentile) to $161,769 at the top end (90th percentile). Estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, reflecting the unique economic landscape of Chesterfield. The disparity in earnings between public sector roles and private law practice presents a compelling dynamic; while private practice may yield higher salaries, many lawyers are drawn to the public sector, bolstered by loan forgiveness programs that can ease the burdens of substantial debt taken on during law school.
About the Chesterfield Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($128,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,533 | $29.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,144 | $36.13 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $104,367 | $50.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $133,590 | $64.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $161,769 | $77.77 |
Median Salary Position
37.57% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chesterfield
In Chesterfield, MO, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $101,236 (2026 est.). At $104,367, the local median is 37.57% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chesterfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chesterfield Lawyer Pay Compares
Chesterfield median: $104,367/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chesterfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Missouri Average | $105,315 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | -37.57% less |
Lawyers in Chesterfield, MO earn a median of $104,367 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.57% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $105,315.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chesterfield has a cost of living 10.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chesterfield, MO has a cost-of-living index of 89.6 (below the national average of 100). A lawyer earning $104,367 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $116,481 in an average-cost city — an effective 11.61% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,764
2025 BLS Actual
$99,682
2026 Current Est.
$104,367
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Chesterfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,764 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,242 | Actual |
| 2021 | $79,904 | Actual |
| 2022 | $84,742 | Actual |
| 2023 | $90,998 | Actual |
| 2024 | $113,664 | Actual |
| 2025 | $99,682 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $104,367 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $109,272 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chesterfield metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $76,764 (2019) to $99,682 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $109,272 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,508 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesterfield 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) | $60,533 – $75,144 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,144 – $104,367 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $104,367 – $133,590 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $133,590 – $161,769 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Chesterfield
With only 10 lawyers employed in Chesterfield, the local job market for attorneys is somewhat limited, which could affect competition for positions and salary negotiations. The cost of living index in Chesterfield stands at 89.6, indicating that it is more affordable than the national average, which can enhance the purchasing power of local lawyers despite lower salary figures. Employers in the area, particularly mid-size and regional firms, typically offer compensation that fits within the established range, though higher salaries may be found within larger corporate legal departments or federal government roles. Factors contributing to salary variation include the prestige of the firm, the complexity of cases handled, and the balance between billable hours and quality of life. To maximize lawyer pay in this market, professionals should consider specializing in high-demand practice areas, networking with local firms, and staying informed about regional trends that influence compensation.
More salary data for Chesterfield, MO:
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 $99,682 for lawyersin the Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield 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