Lawyer Salary in Superior, WI: $115,980 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Superior, WI earns a median $115,980/year (≈ $55.76/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Superior's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $124,176 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the lawyer salary in Superior, Wisconsin, is projected to reach a median of $115,980, which reflects a significant gap when compared to the national median of $167,174. The local salary range is estimated between $67,269 at the 10th percentile and $179,770 at the 90th percentile, indicating that some lawyers in the area can command high salaries depending on their firm type and practice area. While the local pay is influenced by factors such as the presence of small versus mid-sized firms and the demand for legal services, the overall compensation package for lawyers in Superior may appear less competitive on the national scale. Ultimately, understanding the dynamics of different employer sectors, from boutique firms to government roles, is crucial for those seeking to maximize their earning potential in the area.
About the Superior Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $67,269 | $32.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $83,506 | $40.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $115,980 | $55.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $148,455 | $71.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $179,770 | $86.43 |
Median Salary Position
30.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Superior
In Superior, WI, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $112,501 (2026 est.). At $115,980, the local median is 30.62% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Superior: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Superior Lawyer Pay Compares
Superior median: $115,980/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Superior Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $121,192 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | -30.62% less |
Lawyers in Superior, WI earn a median of $115,980 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.62% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 4.30% below the Wisconsin state average of $121,192.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Superior has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Superior, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A lawyer earning $115,980 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $124,176 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$85,306
2025 BLS Actual
$110,774
2026 Current Est.
$115,980
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Superior (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $85,306 | Actual |
| 2020 | $88,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $88,795 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,172 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,124 | Actual |
| 2024 | $111,712 | Actual |
| 2025 | $110,774 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $115,980 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $121,431 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Superior metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $85,306 (2019) to $110,774 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $121,431 by 2027 — a total increase of $36,125 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Superior 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) | $67,269 – $83,506 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $83,506 – $115,980 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $115,980 – $148,455 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $148,455 – $179,770 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Superior
With only seven lawyers employed in Superior, the local job market shows a distinct competitive landscape. The cost of living index stands at 93.4, indicating a lower-than-average cost of living, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for legal professionals. Among employers, boutique firms and regional practices are likely to offer more favorable salaries for entry-level positions compared to government roles or public interest organizations, where pay tends to be lower. The disparity in salaries can also be attributed to factors like billable hour expectations, bonus structures, and potential for partnership. To boost earnings in this market, lawyers may consider specializing in high-demand practice areas or seeking in-house positions that, while typically offer slower salary growth, often provide a better work-life balance. Understanding the structural divides and strategic choices available in Superior’s legal market can help aspiring professionals navigate their career paths effectively.
More salary data for Superior, WI:
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 $110,774 for lawyersin the Superior 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 Superior 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