How much does a lawyer make in Australia

Key Takeaways 

• The average lawyer salary in Australia is $100k–$120k, with specialist and senior legal roles exceeding $150k–$250k.  
• General Counsel roles remain the highest paid, often earning $230k–$250k, while in-demand specialisations like Employment Law can reach $155k.  
• Location matters: top-earning regions include Bunbury & South West ($125k) and Brisbane ($120k), which is well above the national average.  
• In-house positions such as Legal Counsel offer strong packages ranging from $140k to $160k, making them popular among mid-career lawyers. 

Australia’s legal industry is continuing to grow, offering solid career prospects for both new and experienced lawyers. In 2025, the sector reached USD 23.84 billion, and it’s expected to expand to USD 34.52 billion by 2034, growing at a steady 4.20% CAGR. Many people are drawn to the legal profession due to its mix of challenge, stability, and long-term growth. It offers clear pathways, whether you’re starting as a graduate lawyer, building toward senior associate level, or aiming for an in-house or partner position. There’s also the benefit of choosing a specialisation that aligns with your interests, from corporate and employment law to family, property, or commercial work. 

So if you’re interested in knowing more about your potential earnings in the legal industry, this guide breaks down how much lawyers earn in Australia, covering salary ranges, high-paying locations, and the roles with the strongest demand. 

• Highest paying lawyer jobs in Australia 
• How much do lawyers earn in Australia 
• Highest paid lawyers in Australia 
• Explore more legal salaries in Australia 

Highest paying lawyer jobs in Australia 

Below is an overview of top-paying legal roles based on the latest salary ranges. 

How much do lawyers earn in Australia 

Lawyers in Australia typically earn between $100k and $120k, with salaries increasing significantly based on experience, specialisation, and location. Graduate lawyers start closer to $65k-$80k, while mid-level lawyers often progress into the $110k-$130k bracket. Senior associates, specialist lawyers, and in-house counsel roles regularly exceed $150k per year. 

Lawyer salaries by city & region (Australia) 

• Bunbury & South West leads regional earnings, averaging around $125k, making it one of the strongest-paying locations in the country. 
• Brisbane follows closely with an average salary of $120k, supported by a large corporate and government legal market. 
• Rockhampton & the Capricorn Coast and Alice Springs offer competitive regional salaries of approximately $115k, driven by demand in commercial, community, and litigation services. 
• Sydney remains Australia’s largest legal hub, where lawyers earn around $112.5k, with higher earnings in top-tier firms and corporate roles. 
• Other strong regional centres, such as Cairns and the Far North, average about $110.5k, offering good opportunities in family, employment, and property law. 

Lawyer salaries by state (Australia) 

• Queensland records the highest statewide average at around $114,573, boosted by strong corporate and regional legal demand. 
• New South Wales follows at approximately $112.5k, supported by the country’s biggest concentration of law firms and financial institutions. 
• The Australian Capital Territory and Western Australia both sit at around $110k, reflecting strong government, regulatory, and commercial legal activity. 
• Victoria offers average salaries of around $103,104, while South Australia sits slightly lower at $101,917. 
• Tasmania and the Northern Territory record the lowest legal salaries, averaging $98,608 and $95k, respectively. 

These figures show that while major cities like Sydney and Brisbane pay well, several regional areas can offer even higher earning potential for lawyers willing to relocate or explore niche markets. 

Highest paid lawyers 

Australia’s highest-paid lawyers work in specialised practice areas, senior in-house roles, or law firm leadership. Below is a breakdown of the highest-paying roles in the sector. 

General Counsel salary 

General Counsel are the senior legal leaders within an organisation, overseeing all legal, regulatory, and governance matters. They advise executives, manage legal risk, lead in-house legal teams, and guide high-stakes decisions across commercial, contractual, compliance, and strategic issues. 

• Average salary: AUD $230k-$250k per year  
• Earnings can rise significantly in large corporations or ASX-listed companies, where the complexity of operations, leadership responsibilities, and level of commercial influence drive total compensation well above the national average. 

Legal Counsel salary 

Legal Counsel works in-house within companies, advising on commercial contracts, compliance, risk, employment matters, and regulatory issues. They play a key role in guiding business decisions and reducing organisational risk. 

• Average salary: AUD $140k-$160k per year  
• Earnings rise substantially for Senior Legal Counsel roles, particularly in industries like finance, technology, and resources, where commercial demands and corporate complexity drive higher remuneration. 

Lawyer salary 

Lawyers handle a broad range of legal matters, from drafting contracts and advising clients to representing individuals and organisations across courts and tribunals. Their work spans many areas, including commercial, property, employment, litigation, and family law. 

• Average salary: AUD $100k-$120k per year  
• Earnings rise in high-demand practice areas, with commercial, employment, and property lawyers often earning above the national average due to complex caseloads and stronger client demand. 

Solicitor salary 

Solicitors manage client matters across a range of legal fields, handling tasks such as preparing legal documents, advising clients, negotiating settlements, and appearing in court. Their day-to-day work varies based on specialisation and firm type.

• Average salary: AUD $100k-$120k per year  
• Solicitors working in commercial, property, and litigation practices often earn toward the upper end of the range due to heavier caseloads and higher-value files.  

Barrister salary 

Barristers specialise in court advocacy, appearing before judges and tribunals, drafting legal submissions, and providing specialised opinions to solicitors and clients. Their work focuses heavily on trial preparation, courtroom argument, and complex dispute resolution. 

• Average salary: AUD $75k-$95k per year  
• Senior barristers can earn substantially more depending on reputation, case volume, and expertise, influencing how much a barrister earns in Australia overall. 

Explore more legal salaries in Australia 

The legal industry in Australia offers excellent earning potential across multiple practice areas and career stages. With salaries influenced by location, specialisation, and experience, both new and experienced lawyers can find strong opportunities nationwide. Whether you're aiming for corporate roles, private practice, or in-house pathways, the legal sector provides clear progression and remuneration that suits your career goals. 

To stay informed, explore our career insights to compare roles across industries, discover new opportunities, and plan your next step in Australia’s legal landscape.

Source: SEEK data, roles based on average advertised salaries of over $150,000 for job ads listed on SEEK from July 23 to June 24 to July 24 to June 25. A minimum threshold of job ads on SEEK is required for a role to appear in this table.