How to Become a Lawyers in New York
Lawyers in New York earn a median salary of $177,210/year, which is 17% above the national average. New York has a state income tax of ~5.4%. After taxes and rent, a lawyers takes home approximately $8,785/month. Most positions require Doctoral or professional degree.
What a lawyers can afford in New York
Becoming a lawyers in New York
Meet education requirements
Lawyers positions in New York typically require Doctoral or professional degree. Programs are available at colleges and training institutions across New York. Research accredited programs in your area.
Gain required experience
This career typically involves none in New York. Look for training programs and mentorship opportunities in your metro area.
Obtain New York licensure or certification
New York may require specific licensing or professional certification for lawyerss. Requirements vary by state — contact the New York Department of Labor or relevant licensing board for current requirements, exam schedules, and application procedures.
Find positions in New York
New York employs 91,440 lawyers. The highest concentrations are in New York-Newark-Jersey City and Rochester.
Lawyers salary by metro area in New York
| Metro area | Median | Hourly | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York-Newark-Jersey City | $203K | $97.81/hr | 93,730 |
| Rochester | $138K | $66.35/hr | 2,050 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh | $130K | $62.44/hr | 970 |
| Watertown-Fort Drum | $130K | $62.38/hr | 70 |
| Albany-Schenectady-Troy | $124K | $59.42/hr | 3,370 |
| Syracuse | $119K | $57.28/hr | 1,200 |
| Buffalo-Cheektowaga | $112K | $53.64/hr | 2,710 |
| Kingston | $109K | $52.18/hr | 240 |
| Binghamton | $107K | $51.67/hr | 320 |
| Ithaca | $103K | $49.4/hr | 120 |
| Utica-Rome | $102K | $49.1/hr | 310 |
| Elmira | $96K | $46.22/hr | 90 |
Lawyers salary range in New York
Lawyers careers in other states
Frequently asked questions
How much does a lawyers make in New York?▼
The median lawyers salary in New York is $177,210 per year ($85.2/hr). This is 17% above the national median of $151,160. Salaries range from $82,420 to $0.
What are the requirements to become a lawyers in New York?▼
Lawyers positions in New York typically require Doctoral or professional degree. New York may have specific licensing or certification requirements. Check with the New York licensing board or department of labor for current requirements.
Can a lawyers afford to live in New York?▼
At the median salary of $177,210, a lawyers in New York would take home approximately $10,197/month after taxes. With median 2-bedroom rent at $1,412/month, that's 13.8% of take-home pay going to housing. This is within the recommended 30% guideline.
What are the best cities for lawyers in New York?▼
The highest paying metro areas for lawyers in New York are New York-Newark-Jersey City ($203,450), Rochester ($138,010), Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh ($129,870). However, cost of living varies significantly between metros — a higher salary may not mean more purchasing power.
Does New York have state income tax for lawyers?▼
Yes, New York has a state income tax rate of approximately 5.4%. On a $177,210 salary, this means roughly $9,584/year in state income tax. Use our take-home pay calculator for a detailed breakdown.