Lawyer Salary in Derry, NH: $172,167 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Derry, NH earns a median $172,167/year (≈ $82.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Derry's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $160,454 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, lawyer salary in Derry, NH, reaches a projected median of $172,167, reflecting a competitive offering in the region compared to the national median of $167,174. The salary range for lawyers in this area stretches from $99,857 at the 10th percentile to $266,858 at the 90th percentile, indicating a significant spread that often correlates with the type of practice, client base, and billing structures. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic conditions, thus providing valuable insights into the compensation landscape that aspiring lawyers can expect. In Derry, the increasing demand for legal services coupled with the 4.70% annual growth rate signals a robust job market for legal professionals, making it an appealing location for both newcomers and seasoned practitioners.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $99,857 | $48.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $123,960 | $59.60 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $172,167 | $82.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $220,374 | $105.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $266,858 | $128.30 |
Median Salary Position
2.99% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derry
In Derry, NH, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $167,001 (2026 est.). At $172,167, the local median is 2.99% above the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Derry: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Derry Lawyer Pay Compares
Derry median: $172,167/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Derry Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $179,340 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | +2.99% more |
Lawyers in Derry, NH earn a median of $172,167 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.99% higher than the national median of $167,174 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $179,340.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Derry has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Derry, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $172,167 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $160,454 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$126,632
2025 BLS Actual
$164,438
2026 Current Est.
$172,167
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $126,632 | Actual |
| 2020 | $130,720 | Actual |
| 2021 | $131,812 | Actual |
| 2022 | $139,793 | Actual |
| 2023 | $150,113 | Actual |
| 2024 | $142,121 | Actual |
| 2025 | $164,438 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $172,167 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $180,258 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Derry metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $126,632 (2019) to $164,438 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $180,258 by 2027 — a total increase of $53,626 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derry 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) | $99,857 – $123,960 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $123,960 – $172,167 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $172,167 – $220,374 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $220,374 – $266,858 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Derry
The local employment market features seven lawyers presently, revealing a niche but stable demand for legal services in Derry. Given that the cost-of-living index stands at 107.3, compensation levels are calibrated to ensure that legal professionals can maintain a reasonable standard of living. Larger firms, such as those in the BigLaw sector, typically offer the highest salaries, but Derry does not host the major players like Cravath or Skadden. Instead, lawyers may find lucrative positions within regional firms or in-house corporate departments, where the pay can range significantly depending on a firm's prestige and strategic location. High compensation levels often arise from factors like billable hours that are typically set between 1,800 to 2,400 annually, bonus structures, and the firm's tier ranking. For those in Derry aiming to maximize their lawyer pay, targeting mid-sized firms with solid reputations or transitioning to in-house roles may yield the best long-term financial outcomes.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
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 $164,438 for lawyersin the Derry 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 Derry 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