Lawyer Salary in Carrollton, TX: $137,594 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Carrollton, TX earns a median $137,594/year (≈ $66.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Carrollton's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $143,327 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the median annual salary for lawyers in Carrollton, Texas, is projected at $137,594, which is notably lower than the national median of $167,174. The salary range varies widely, extending from $79,804 at the 10th percentile to $213,270 at the 90th percentile. This divergence highlights the structural divide within the legal market, where BigLaw firms tend to offer significantly higher compensation, while mid-market and small firms provide salaries that lean towards the lower end of the scale. Estimates derive from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price differences, emphasizing the impact of local market conditions and firm types on lawyer pay in Carrollton.
About the Carrollton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($155,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $79,804 | $38.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $99,067 | $47.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $137,594 | $66.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $176,120 | $84.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $213,270 | $102.53 |
Median Salary Position
17.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrollton
In Carrollton, TX, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $133,466 (2026 est.). At $137,594, the local median is 17.69% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carrollton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carrollton Lawyer Pay Compares
Carrollton median: $137,594/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carrollton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $135,962 | +1.20% more |
| National Average | $167,174 | -17.69% less |
Lawyers in Carrollton, TX earn a median of $137,594 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.69% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 1.20% above the Texas state average of $135,962.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carrollton has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carrollton, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A lawyer earning $137,594 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $143,327 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$101,203
2025 BLS Actual
$131,417
2026 Current Est.
$137,594
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Carrollton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $101,203 | Actual |
| 2020 | $104,470 | Actual |
| 2021 | $105,343 | Actual |
| 2022 | $111,721 | Actual |
| 2023 | $119,968 | Actual |
| 2024 | $150,619 | Actual |
| 2025 | $131,417 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $137,594 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $144,060 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carrollton metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $101,203 (2019) to $131,417 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $144,060 by 2027 — a total increase of $42,857 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrollton 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) | $79,804 – $99,067 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $99,067 – $137,594 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $137,594 – $176,120 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $176,120 – $213,270 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Carrollton
Currently, Carrollton employs 20 attorneys, indicating a stable but limited job market. The cost-of-living index stands at 96, suggesting that while salaries may be lower than the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively balanced for residents. A variety of employers exist within the community, including mid-sized firms and in-house departments, which typically provide more competitive salaries than boutique or small practices. Notably, the salary disparity stems from factors such as firm tier, partnership structures, and billing practices. For those looking to enhance their earnings, aligning with larger firms or gaining experience that translates into higher billable hours can lead to increased compensation. Understanding the unique legal landscape in Carrollton is essential for aspiring lawyers aiming to maximize their lawyer pay in Carrollton, TX.
More salary data for Carrollton, TX:
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 $131,417 for lawyersin the Carrollton 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 Carrollton 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