Lawyer Salary in Suffolk, VA: $130,811 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Suffolk, VA earns a median $130,811/year (≈ $62.89/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Suffolk's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $126,755 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, lawyer salaries in Suffolk, Virginia, are projected to average $130,811 annually, a rate that reflects the lower end of a compensation range that spans from $75,871 to $202,757. While these estimates indicate a strong local market, they are notably below the national median of $167,174 for the same year. The state's legal landscape sees a division between public sector roles, often associated with student loan forgiveness programs, and lucrative private practice positions. Lawyers in Suffolk face a competitive job market that can influence pay scales significantly, as they navigate between opportunities in public interest versus private firms, especially when evaluating their long-term career paths.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $75,871 | $36.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $94,184 | $45.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $130,811 | $62.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $167,438 | $80.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $202,757 | $97.48 |
Median Salary Position
21.75% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Suffolk
In Suffolk, VA, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $126,886 (2026 est.). At $130,811, the local median is 21.75% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Suffolk: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Suffolk Lawyer Pay Compares
Suffolk median: $130,811/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Suffolk Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $133,073 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | -21.75% less |
Lawyers in Suffolk, VA earn a median of $130,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.75% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $133,073.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Suffolk has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Suffolk, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $130,811 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $126,755 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$96,214
2025 BLS Actual
$124,939
2026 Current Est.
$130,811
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $96,214 | Actual |
| 2020 | $99,321 | Actual |
| 2021 | $100,150 | Actual |
| 2022 | $106,214 | Actual |
| 2023 | $114,055 | Actual |
| 2024 | $160,321 | Actual |
| 2025 | $124,939 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $130,811 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $136,959 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Suffolk metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $96,214 (2019) to $124,939 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $136,959 by 2027 — a total increase of $40,745 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Suffolk 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) | $75,871 – $94,184 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $94,184 – $130,811 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $130,811 – $167,438 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $167,438 – $202,757 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Suffolk
The local legal job market is relatively modest, with only 15 lawyers employed in Suffolk, indicating a close-knit professional community. The cost of living in the area is slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 103.2, which impacts take-home pay and lifestyle choices. While large firms like Cravath and Wachtell may not have a notable presence nearby, mid-size firms and in-house departments can offer competitive compensation packages within this market. Aspects such as firm tier, billable hour requirements, and partnership equity drive variations in income. For those considering their options, aiming for positions in mid-size firms or corporate legal departments could offer a better balance of pay and lifestyle than the typical grind found in large law firms. Additionally, understanding the nuances of the public sector's student loan forgiveness potential can offer strategic advantages for those whose interests align with public service.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
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 $124,939 for lawyersin the Suffolk 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 Suffolk 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