Find a Job You Really Want In
Attorneys continue to be a vital profession in America, with a strong presence in every state, not just in locations like California or the South. As the legal landscape evolves, so do the opportunities available to legal professionals.
To identify the optimal states for attorneys in 2026, we at Zippia analyzed the current job market. We focused on states that provide abundant job opportunities and competitive salaries, ensuring attorneys are compensated fairly throughout their careers.
By examining data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), we compiled a list showcasing the best states for attorneys, reflecting the latest trends in the legal profession.
These states represent the best environments for attorneys, with ample job prospects and attractive salaries.
To understand how we compiled our rankings and to explore more about the top ten states for attorneys, continue reading below.
If you’re interested in further insights, check out the evolving job scene:
- These Are The 10 Best Cities For Attorneys
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Kansas City
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In St. Louis
How We Determined the Best States for Attorneys
At Zippia, we engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking career advice. Our research demonstrates that two key factors are crucial for job seekers:
- Job availability
- Competitive salaries
To identify the best states for attorneys, we analyzed job availability and compensation based on the following criteria derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Employment Statistics:
- Location quotient: A measure of how prevalent a job is in a state.
- Average annual salary.
- Average annual salary for entry-level positions.
- Average annual salary for experienced professionals.
To ensure fair comparisons across states, we adjusted salary data relative to each state’s cost of living, recognizing that living expenses vary significantly. For instance, while the average salary for attorneys in California is $119,500, the cost of living there is high compared to Illinois, where the salary may be lower but goes further in covering essential expenses.
We ranked each state according to the above criteria from 1 to 50, with 1 being the best. The overall ranking was calculated by averaging these scores, with the state achieving the lowest Job Score identified as the top state for attorneys.
Now, let’s delve into what makes each state advantageous for attorneys.
1. Missouri
Total Jobs: 10,340
Average Annual Salary: $113,780
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,780
Average Experienced Salary: $194,120
Location Quotient: 0.83
2. Michigan
Total Jobs: 14,550
Average Annual Salary: $110,180
Average Entry Level Salary: $53,710
Average Experienced Salary: $183,410
Location Quotient: 0.76
3. Minnesota
Total Jobs: 11,270
Average Annual Salary: $119,330
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,730
Average Experienced Salary: $204,050
Location Quotient: 0.89
4. Indiana
Total Jobs: 7,980
Average Annual Salary: $113,360
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,140
Average Experienced Salary: $204,210
Location Quotient: 0.59
5. Utah
Total Jobs: 4,970
Average Annual Salary: $112,380
Average Entry Level Salary: $52,700
Average Experienced Salary: $189,680
Location Quotient: 0.77
6. Wyoming
Total Jobs: 790
Average Annual Salary: $105,600
Average Entry Level Salary: $55,500
Average Experienced Salary: $194,570
Location Quotient: 0.66
7. Alabama
Total Jobs: 5,540
Average Annual Salary: $117,100
Average Entry Level Salary: $49,310
Average Experienced Salary: $204,340
Location Quotient: 0.64
8. Nebraska
Total Jobs: 2,910
Average Annual Salary: $108,170
Average Entry Level Salary: $54,490
Average Experienced Salary: $178,290
Location Quotient: 0.67
9. New Mexico
Total Jobs: 2,970
Average Annual Salary: $105,910
Average Entry Level Salary: $56,140
Average Experienced Salary: $180,300
Location Quotient: 0.83
10. Iowa
Total Jobs: 3,170
Average Annual Salary: $112,630
Average Entry Level Salary: $49,670
Average Experienced Salary: $200,970
Location Quotient: 0.46
There You Have It – The Best States to Be an Attorney
For those starting a career in law, these states should be at the forefront of your job search. They offer high salaries, plentiful job opportunities, and pathways for professional growth.
Curious about the states less favorable for attorneys? Here are the bottom three:
For additional insights, explore:
- These Are The 100 Highest Paying Jobs In Missouri
- These Are The 100 Largest Companies In Missouri
- These Are The 10 Cities With The Highest Attorney Salaries
Detailed List of the Best States for Attorneys
| Rank | State | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Missouri | $113,780 |
| 2 | Michigan | $110,180 |
| 3 | Minnesota | $119,330 |
| 4 | Indiana | $113,360 |
| 5 | Utah | $112,380 |
| 6 | Wyoming | $105,600 |
| 7 | Alabama | $117,100 |
| 8 | Nebraska | $108,170 |
| 9 | New Mexico | $105,910 |
| 10 | Iowa | $112,630 |
| 11 | Louisiana | $105,490 |
| 12 | Kansas | $109,020 |
| 13 | West Virginia | $98,630 |
| 14 | Kentucky | $100,100 |
| 15 | Rhode Island | $125,330 |
| 16 | Idaho | $99,360 |
| 17 | North Dakota | $107,290 |
| 18 | Arkansas | $98,780 |
| 19 | Mississippi | $97,990 |
| 20 | South Carolina | $105,320 |
| 21 | Alaska | $121,680 |
| 22 | Montana | $88,600 |
| 23 | South Dakota | $109,070 |
| 24 | Oregon | $119,500 |
| 25 | Vermont | $107,490 |
| 26 | Maine | $107,120 |
| 27 | Hawaii | $111,290 |
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.
