Lawyer Salary in Bothell, WA: $133,817 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Bothell, WA earns a median $133,817/year (≈ $64.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Bothell's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $124,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.6% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bothell, Washington, the projected median annual salary for lawyers in 2026 is set at $133,817, reflecting a notable divergence from the national median of $167,174. This salary range spans from $77,614 at the 10th percentile to $207,417 at the 90th percentile, indicating a distinct structural divide within the legal profession. Many lawyers in the region find themselves in mid-market or small firm settings, often earning significantly less than their counterparts in BigLaw, where compensation is typically on the higher end of the spectrum. These figures, derived from BLS data and adjusted for local cost-of-living factors, paint a realistic picture of lawyer pay in Bothell, WA, amidst a legal market characterized by varying degrees of firm prestige and economic dynamics.
About the Bothell Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $77,614 | $37.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $96,348 | $46.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $133,817 | $64.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $171,286 | $82.35 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $207,417 | $99.72 |
Median Salary Position
19.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bothell
In Bothell, WA, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $129,803 (2026 est.). At $133,817, the local median is 19.95% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bothell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bothell Lawyer Pay Compares
Bothell median: $133,817/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bothell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $138,814 | -3.60% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | -19.95% less |
Lawyers in Bothell, WA earn a median of $133,817 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.95% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 3.60% below the Washington state average of $138,814.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bothell has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bothell, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $133,817 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $124,597 — a 6.89% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$98,425
2025 BLS Actual
$127,810
2026 Current Est.
$133,817
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Bothell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $98,425 | Actual |
| 2020 | $101,603 | Actual |
| 2021 | $102,451 | Actual |
| 2022 | $108,655 | Actual |
| 2023 | $116,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $163,581 | Actual |
| 2025 | $127,810 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $133,817 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $140,106 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bothell metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $98,425 (2019) to $127,810 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $140,106 by 2027 — a total increase of $41,681 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bothell 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) | $77,614 – $96,348 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $96,348 – $133,817 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $133,817 – $171,286 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $171,286 – $207,417 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Bothell
The local job market for legal professionals appears stable, with approximately 13 practicing lawyers in the Bothell area. However, the cost of living index at 107.4 suggests that while salaries may be attractive relative to local standards, purchasing power is slightly above national averages. Those seeking higher salaries might look towards BigLaw firms, although such positions come with demanding requirements like high billable hour quotas. For those in smaller firms or public sector roles, salaries can be lower, but there are perks such as loan forgiveness programs in government or nonprofit positions. Aspiring lawyers should consider building networks within regional firms or exploring industries related to their practice to enhance their earning potential. With the projected growth rate of 4.70%, strategic career planning will be essential in maximizing lawyer pay in Bothell, WA.
More salary data for Bothell, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do lawyers make in Bothell, WA in 2026?
Is Bothell, WA a good place to work as a lawyer?
Can lawyers make $100K in Bothell?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted lawyer salary in Bothell?
How much does a lawyer make per hour in Bothell?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 $127,810 for lawyersin the Bothell 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 Bothell 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