Serving the public as a lawyer in an Attorney General's office is one of the most prestigious and impactful career paths in the legal field. It offers a unique opportunity to shape public policy, protect consumer rights, and uphold the law on behalf of the state or federal government. But beyond the significant responsibilities, what is the earning potential for these vital public servants?
While salaries for the top-ranking U.S. and State Attorneys General are publicly defined figures, the compensation for the thousands of lawyers who support them—often called Assistant or Deputy Attorneys General—is highly competitive. These roles offer a stable and rewarding career with salaries that can range from approximately $85,000 to over $190,000 annually, depending on a variety of key factors.
This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of the salary you can expect and the factors that will shape your earnings in this esteemed profession.
What Does a Lawyer in an Attorney General's Office Do?
First, it's important to clarify the roles. The term "Attorney General" can refer to the single, chief law enforcement officer for a state or the entire country (the U.S. Attorney General). However, these top officials lead large offices staffed by hundreds or even thousands of highly skilled lawyers. These lawyers, typically holding titles like Assistant Attorney General (AAG) or Deputy Attorney General (DAG), perform the day-to-day legal work.
Their responsibilities are vast and critical, including:
- Representing the Government: They act as the litigation arm for the state or federal government, representing them in civil and criminal cases in both trial and appellate courts.
- Providing Legal Counsel: They offer legal advice and official opinions to government agencies, governors, or the president.
- Enforcing Laws: They investigate and prosecute violations of state or federal law, particularly in areas like consumer protection, antitrust, and environmental regulation.
- Drafting Legislation: They may assist in reviewing and drafting proposed laws and regulations to ensure they are legally sound.
It is the salary for these AAG and DAG positions that most aspiring government lawyers are seeking, and that will be the primary focus of our analysis.
Average Attorney General Salary
Lawyers working in an Attorney General's office earn a competitive salary that reflects their high level of skill and responsibility. While private sector law can sometimes offer higher peak earnings, government service provides excellent job security, robust benefits, and a predictable path for salary growth.
According to recent data from leading salary aggregators:
- Salary.com reports that the median annual salary for an Assistant Attorney General in the United States is approximately $135,595. The typical salary range falls between $117,178 and $156,767, but can extend much higher for senior supervisory roles.
- Payscale data indicates a similar average salary of around $124,195, with experienced professionals earning upwards of $175,000.
- The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) groups these roles under the general category of "Lawyers." For lawyers employed by state governments, the BLS reports a median annual wage of $112,500. For those in the federal executive branch, the median wage is significantly higher at $159,570 as of May 2023.
For context, the salaries for the top positions are set by statute:
- The U.S. Attorney General is a cabinet-level position, and their salary is set at Level I of the Executive Schedule, which is $246,400 as of 2024.
- State Attorneys General salaries vary by state, typically ranging from $110,000 to over $190,000, as reported by sources like The Council of State Governments.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your exact salary as a government lawyer will depend on several critical factors. Understanding these variables will help you navigate your career and maximize your earning potential.
Level of Education
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school is the non-negotiable educational requirement for any attorney role. While the prestige of your law school can be a factor in securing your first job, in government service, your on-the-job performance and experience quickly become more important. However, holding an advanced degree, such as a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in a specialized field like tax or environmental law, can make you a more competitive candidate for specialized, higher-paying divisions within an Attorney General's office.
Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant driver of salary growth in this career. Pay scales in government are often structured and transparent, with clear steps for advancement based on years of service and performance.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): An attorney fresh out of law school or a judicial clerkship can expect to start in the $80,000 to $110,000 range.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): With substantial litigation or advisory experience, an attorney can expect their salary to grow into the $110,000 to $150,000 range. They may begin taking on more complex cases or mentoring junior attorneys.
- Senior/Supervisory (10+ years): Senior attorneys who manage divisions or serve as chief deputies can earn $150,000 to $190,000 or more, depending on their level of responsibility and jurisdiction.
Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Federal government salaries are adjusted for locality pay to account for the cost of living, meaning a federal attorney in San Francisco will earn more than one in Omaha. For state-level positions, salaries are directly tied to state budgets and regional cost of living.
For example, an Assistant Attorney General role in a high-cost-of-living state like California or New York will generally offer a higher salary than a similar position in a state with a lower cost of living like Mississippi or Arkansas.
Level of Government (Federal vs. State)
As noted in the BLS data, federal government attorneys tend to earn more than their state counterparts. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), which employs thousands of Assistant U.S. Attorneys and other lawyers, uses the Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale. An entry-level attorney might start around $85,000, but experienced federal prosecutors can earn up to the statutory cap, which is currently tied to Level IV of the Executive Schedule ($191,900 in 2024). State pay scales are determined by individual state legislatures and can be more modest, though still highly competitive.
Area of Specialization
Within an Attorney General's office, there are numerous divisions, and some may offer higher pay or faster advancement due to the complexity or demand for the work. High-stakes litigation divisions that handle complex areas often command higher salaries. These specializations can include:
- Antitrust and Complex Civil Litigation: Pursuing cases against major corporations.
- Appellate Practice: Arguing critical cases before state supreme courts or federal appellate courts.
- Cybersecurity and Data Privacy: A rapidly growing and highly specialized field.
- Tax and Finance: Dealing with complex financial regulations and state revenue.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for lawyers, including those in the public sector, is positive and stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for lawyers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
The BLS projects about 39,100 openings for lawyers each year, on average, over the decade. While competition for all legal jobs is strong, the need for government legal services remains constant. As society deals with complex issues surrounding technology, healthcare, and finance, the demand for skilled government attorneys to interpret, enforce, and create regulations will continue to grow, ensuring a stable career path for those who choose this line of work.
Conclusion
A career as a lawyer in an Attorney General's office represents a profound commitment to public service. It is a challenging yet deeply rewarding path that offers a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and significant job security.
For prospective law students and practicing attorneys, this career offers a clear trajectory for financial and professional growth. While your starting salary will be influenced by location and government level, your long-term earning potential will be directly shaped by your experience and the expertise you cultivate. If you are passionate about the law and dedicated to making a difference, this career offers an unparalleled opportunity to build a successful and meaningful professional life.