Lawyer Salary in Minnesota (2026)

Official state-level BLS pay data for Lawyers in Minnesota, plus how it compares with the rest of the country.

Official BLS state wage data · Unknown vintage
Minnesota Median
$155,140
per year
Hourly Rate
$74.59
based on 2,080 hrs/yr
vs National
-3% vs US median
US median $159,670
State Rank
#12 of 51
12,380 employed here

How much does a Lawyer make in Minnesota?

A Lawyer working in Minnesota earns a median salary of $155,140 per year, or about $74.59 per hour. That is 3% below the national median of $159,670 for this occupation.

Within Minnesota, entry-level pay starts around $79,820 while the top 10% make $341,170 or more. The middle 50% of earners fall between $107,220 and $216,440 a year.

Lawyer salary range in Minnesota

Pay levelAnnual salaryHourly rate
10th percentile (entry level)$79,820$38.38
25th percentile (early career)$107,220$51.55
50th percentile (median)$155,140$74.59
75th percentile (experienced)$216,440$104.06
90th percentile (top earners)$341,170$164.02

How Minnesota compares

Minnesota ranks 12th out of 51 states and territories for Lawyer pay. The top 5 best-paying states:

RankStateMedian salary
1New York$207,860
2District of Columbia$195,190
3California$195,080
4Massachusetts$176,680
5Delaware$173,510

Working as a Lawyer in Minnesota

Nationally, about 755,000 people work as Lawyers in the United States. A doctoral or professional degree (8 or more years of higher education) is required.

Considering a move? Compare Minnesota pay ($155,140) against the highest-paying state above, and weigh the difference against housing and everyday costs — a smaller paycheck in a cheaper state can stretch further.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Lawyer make in Minnesota?
The median Lawyer salary in Minnesota is $155,140 per year, or about $74.59 per hour, per official BLS state wage estimates. Salaries typically range from $79,820 at the entry level to $341,170 for the top 10% of earners.
How does Minnesota pay compare to the national average?
Minnesota pays Lawyers about 3% less than the national median of $159,670. Minnesota ranks 12th out of 51 states and territories reporting this occupation.
Is Minnesota a good state for Lawyers?
Pay runs below the national median here, at $155,140 a year. About 12,380 Lawyers are employed in Minnesota. A lower cost of living can offset the smaller paycheck, so compare take-home value, not just salary.
What are the highest-paying jobs in Minnesota?
The highest-paying occupations in Minnesota include Radiologist ($708,340), Dermatologist ($625,790), Surgeon, All Other ($568,150), based on median annual pay in official BLS state estimates.

← See the national Lawyer salary report

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Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), Unknown vintage. Education requirements: O*NET (U.S. Department of Labor). State figures are official BLS state-level wage estimates. Where BLS suppresses a state percentile, it is scaled from the official national distribution. Individual pay varies by employer, metro area, and experience.