Lawyer Salary in Australia
Legal • All 12 Major Cities
Lawyers provide legal advice and represent clients in legal matters.
Job Market Outlook
Knowledge work with significant AI applicability
Job supply roughly matches candidate availability
Moderate projected employment growth over 5 years
Sources: Microsoft Research 2025, Jobs and Skills Australia 2025 Occupation Shortage List
Lawyer Salary by City
Detailed City Comparison
| City | Average | Take-Home |
|---|---|---|
| 1SydneyNSW | $143,000 | $104,105 |
| 2CanberraACT | $140,400 | $102,551 |
| 3MelbourneVIC | $136,500 | $100,221 |
| 4DarwinNT | $136,500 | $100,221 |
| 5PerthWA | $132,600 | $97,723 |
| 6BrisbaneQLD | $123,500 | $91,649 |
| 7Gold CoastQLD | $119,600 | $89,045 |
| 8AdelaideSA | $117,000 | $87,310 |
| 9WollongongNSW | $114,400 | $85,574 |
| 10NewcastleNSW | $114,400 | $85,574 |
| 11GeelongVIC | $113,100 | $84,707 |
| 12HobartTAS | $110,500 | $82,971 |
Cost of Living Index: Sydney = 100. Lower values indicate lower cost of living.
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Hourly Rate
Based on a standard 38-hour work week (Australian full-time hours):
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Lawyer earn in Australia?
The average Lawyer salary in Australia is $125,125 per year, or approximately $63 per hour. Salaries typically range from $59,500 for entry-level positions to $330,000 for senior roles.
What is the take-home pay for a Lawyer?
A Lawyer earning the average salary of $125,125 takes home approximately $92,733 per year after income tax and Medicare levy, or $7,728 per month.
Where do Lawyers earn the most in Australia?
Sydney offers the highest Lawyer salaries at $143,000 on average, followed by Canberra at $140,400.
Is Lawyer a good career in Australia?
Lawyer is a stable career choice in Australia. The job market is stable, and the average salary of $125,125 is above the national median.
How much do Lawyers make per hour?
Lawyers earn approximately $63 per hour on average in Australia, based on a 38-hour work week. Hourly rates range from $30 for entry-level positions to $167 for experienced professionals.
About Lawyer Salaries in Australia
The average Lawyer salary in Australia is $125,125 per year, or approximately $63 per hour. Salaries range from $59,500 for entry-level positions to $330,000 for senior roles with extensive experience.
Sydney offers the highest average Lawyer salary at $143,000, while Hobart has the lowest at $110,500.
After tax, a Lawyer earning the average salary takes home $92,733 per year, or $7,728 per month.
Key Factors Affecting Lawyer Salaries
- Location: Major cities like Sydney and Melbourne typically offer higher salaries but also have higher costs of living.
- Experience Level: Entry-level positions start around $59,500, while senior roles can reach $330,000.
- Industry: Different industries offer varying compensation for Lawyer roles.
- Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Salary data is based on industry reports, job postings, and government statistics. Individual salaries may vary based on experience, qualifications, and employer. Tax calculations are estimates for the 2024-25 financial year.