Find a Job You Really Want In
In 2026, the legal profession continues to evolve rapidly, influenced by shifts in technology, remote work, and changing client expectations. Whether you’re embarking on your legal career or contemplating a transition, understanding which cities offer the best opportunities for attorneys is crucial for long-term career success. Regional variations can significantly impact attorney salaries and career growth.
At Zippia, we analyzed the current labor market to identify the cities in the U.S. that provide the most lucrative and plentiful opportunities for attorneys. Our research focuses on areas where high salaries align with a manageable cost of living.
Utilizing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled this list of the best cities for attorneys in 2026:
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Wilmington
- Los Angeles
- Newark
- Dallas
- Bridgeport
- Houston
- Philadelphia
- Harrisburg
So, there you have it—San Francisco remains the premier city for attorneys in terms of career opportunities and compensation.
Conversely, if you’re an attorney considering relocation, Fort Smith may not be the best option.
Read on to discover how we conducted our analysis and to learn more about the top ten cities for legal professionals.
How We Identified the Best Cities for Attorneys
At Zippia, we engage with numerous job seekers from various backgrounds. Our research highlights two primary factors that job seekers prioritize:
- Job availability
- Compensation
To pinpoint the best cities for attorneys in America, we evaluated job availability and salary levels. Our criteria, sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics, include:
- Location Quotient: A measure of job concentration in a specific area.
- Average Annual Salary.
- Average Annual Salary for Entry-Level Positions.
To ensure fair comparisons across cities, we adjusted salary data based on the state’s cost of living using MIT’s living wage index.
This analysis covered 373 metropolitan areas. We designated the primary area of each metro as the corresponding ‘city’ for our study. For instance, “Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA NECTA Division” was simplified to Boston.
We ranked each city based on the criteria, assigning scores from 1 to 373, where 1 represents the best position. The overall Job Score was calculated by averaging the rankings, with the lowest score indicating the top city for attorneys in America.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each city an excellent choice for legal professionals.
1. San Francisco, CA
Total Jobs: 10,320
Average Annual Salary: $178,110
Average Entry-Level Salary: $81,450
Location Quotient: 2.29
2. San Jose, CA
Total Jobs: 5,430
Average Annual Salary: $204,010
Average Entry-Level Salary: $91,390
Location Quotient: 1.21
3. Wilmington, DE
Total Jobs: 2,780
Average Annual Salary: $152,480
Average Entry-Level Salary: $76,240
Location Quotient: 1.84
4. Los Angeles, CA
Total Jobs: 24,040
Average Annual Salary: $173,100
Average Entry-Level Salary: $76,550
Location Quotient: 1.32
5. Newark, NJ
Total Jobs: 8,400
Average Annual Salary: $157,290
Average Entry-Level Salary: $77,400
Location Quotient: 1.65
6. Dallas, TX
Total Jobs: 10,590
Average Annual Salary: $152,030
Average Entry-Level Salary: $75,270
Location Quotient: 1.03
7. Bridgeport, CT
Total Jobs: 2,210
Average Annual Salary: $181,860
Average Entry-Level Salary: $76,700
Location Quotient: 1.2
8. Houston, TX
Total Jobs: 12,650
Average Annual Salary: $161,590
Average Entry-Level Salary: $63,400
Location Quotient: 0.98
9. Philadelphia, PA
Total Jobs: 9,120
Average Annual Salary: $139,530
Average Entry-Level Salary: $58,290
Location Quotient: 2.34
10. Harrisburg, PA
Total Jobs: 2,150
Average Annual Salary: $131,220
Average Entry-Level Salary: $62,630
Location Quotient: 1.55
And That’s Our List of the Best Cities for Attorneys
If you’re starting your career as an attorney, these cities should be at the forefront of your considerations. They offer competitive salaries, abundant job opportunities, and potential for career advancement.
If you’re interested, here are the least favorable cities for attorneys in America:
- Fort Smith
- Michigan City
- Staunton
Detailed List of the Best Cities for Attorneys
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco,CA | $178,110 |
| 2 | San Jose,CA | $204,010 |
| 3 | Wilmington,DE | $152,480 |
| 4 | Los Angeles,CA | $173,100 |
| 5 | Newark,NJ | $157,290 |
| 6 | Dallas,TX | $152,030 |
| 7 | Bridgeport,CT | $181,860 |
| 8 | Houston,TX | $161,590 |
| 9 | Philadelphia,PA | $139,530 |
| 10 | Harrisburg,PA | $131,220 |
Author
Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.
