The Definitive Guide to an Attorney General USA Salary:...

Pursuing a career in law is often driven by a desire for justice, a passion for advocacy, and the intellectual challenge of navigating complex legal frameworks. For a select group, this ambition crystallizes into a call to public service at the highest levels of government. If you've ever watched a major federal case unfold or seen a state take on a corporate giant to protect its citizens, you've witnessed the work of government attorneys, a path that culminates in the esteemed role of an Attorney General. But beyond the immense responsibility and public profile lies a practical question: what does this career path look like financially? What is the salary for an Attorney General in the USA?

This guide demystifies the compensation structure not just for the singular U.S. Attorney General, but for the entire ecosystem of government lawyers who work within these vital offices. While the title "Attorney General" itself refers to a specific political appointee, the career path of a government attorney offers a stable and rewarding trajectory with a salary range that can be quite competitive, especially when factoring in unparalleled benefits. For many, a career as an Assistant Attorney General or an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) offers a median salary well into the six figures, providing a comfortable living while performing work of immense public importance.

I remember sitting in the back of a federal courtroom during a college internship, watching an Assistant U.S. Attorney meticulously dismantle a complex financial fraud case. It wasn't about the fame or a massive paycheck; it was about protecting the public trust and ensuring that the law applied to everyone equally. That moment crystallized for me the profound, non-monetary value of a career in public service law—a value that complements a solid, respectable salary.

This article serves as your comprehensive roadmap. We will dissect the salary of the U.S. Attorney General, explore the earnings of State Attorneys General, and provide an in-depth analysis of the compensation for the thousands of career attorneys who form the backbone of these offices. We'll explore the factors that influence salary, the job outlook for the next decade, and a step-by-step guide to starting your own journey in this prestigious field.

### Table of Contents

[What Does an Attorney General Do?](#what-does-an-attorney-general-do)
[Average Attorney General Salary: A Deep Dive](#average-attorney-general-salary-a-deep-dive)
[Key Factors That Influence Salary](#key-factors-that-influence-salary)
[Job Outlook and Career Growth](#job-outlook-and-career-growth)
[How to Get Started in This Career](#how-to-get-started-in-this-career)
[Conclusion](#conclusion)

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What Does an Attorney General Do?

Understanding the salary requires first understanding the role. The term "Attorney General" can be misleading, as it refers to different roles at the federal and state levels. These are distinct positions, supported by a vast network of career public servants.

The United States Attorney General

At the federal level, there is only one Attorney General of the United States. This individual is a member of the President's Cabinet and serves as the head of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). This is the chief law enforcement officer and chief lawyer of the U.S. government.

The responsibilities are immense and far-reaching:

Overseeing Federal Law Enforcement: The Attorney General supervises major federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Representing the U.S. in Legal Matters: The DOJ, under the Attorney General's leadership, represents the United States in virtually all legal proceedings, from cases before the Supreme Court to civil litigation involving the government.
Advising the President and Executive Branch: The Attorney General provides formal legal opinions and advice to the President and the heads of other executive departments on the legality of their proposed actions.
Enforcing Federal Laws: The role involves setting enforcement priorities for a wide range of federal laws, including civil rights, antitrust, environmental, and criminal statutes.

State Attorneys General

Each of the 50 states, as well as several U.S. territories, has its own Attorney General. While the core function as the state's chief legal officer is similar to the federal role, the specific duties are dictated by the state's constitution and laws.

Common responsibilities include:

Consumer Protection: Suing companies for deceptive advertising, fraud, or antitrust violations. This is one of the most visible functions of a State AG's office.
Criminal Appeals and Special Prosecutions: Handling all criminal appeals on behalf of the state and, in some cases, taking over local prosecutions when there is a conflict of interest or a need for special expertise.
Issuing Legal Opinions: Providing formal legal advice to state agencies, lawmakers, and the governor.
Representing the State: Acting as the state's lawyer in all civil litigation, defending the state when it is sued, and filing lawsuits on its behalf.

A "Day in the Life" of an Assistant Attorney General

For the vast majority of lawyers in this field, the title is "Assistant Attorney General" (at the state level) or "Assistant U.S. Attorney" (at the federal level). These are the frontline attorneys who handle the day-to-day legal work. A typical day is a dynamic mix of strategy, research, and advocacy.

8:30 AM - Morning Briefing: An Assistant Attorney General in a state's Consumer Protection division might start the day meeting with investigators to review evidence in a case against a company accused of predatory lending. They strategize on next steps, such as drafting subpoenas for documents.
10:00 AM - Legal Research and Writing: The core of the job. The attorney spends several hours in their office, drafting a complex motion to be filed in court. This requires meticulous research into legal precedent using databases like Westlaw and LexisNexis.
1:00 PM - Inter-Agency Call: They join a conference call with attorneys from other states who are coordinating on a multistate investigation into a tech company's privacy practices.
2:30 PM - Deposition Preparation: They meet with a key witness to prepare them for a deposition scheduled for the next day, practicing questions and ensuring the witness is comfortable and ready.
4:30 PM - Case Management: The end of the day is spent responding to emails from opposing counsel, updating case files, and planning the workload for the rest of the week.

This is not a career of courtroom drama every day. It is a demanding, intellectually rigorous job that requires exceptional writing, analytical, and organizational skills.

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Average Attorney General Salary: A Deep Dive

The compensation structure for government attorneys is highly varied. It is crucial to differentiate between the politically appointed Attorneys General and the career civil service attorneys who work for them.

### The U.S. Attorney General Salary

The salary for the U.S. Attorney General is not determined by market forces but is set by law under the federal Executive Schedule. As a Cabinet-level position, the Attorney General's pay falls under Level I of this schedule.

As of 2024, the salary for Executive Schedule Level I is $246,400 per year.

This is a fixed salary. It does not include bonuses or performance-based pay. It is the same salary received by other top Cabinet members like the Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury. While this is a substantial income, it is significantly less than what a lawyer of this stature—often a former partner at a major law firm—would earn in the private sector. The motivation for taking this role is public service and influence, not monetary gain.

### State Attorney General Salaries

The salaries for State Attorneys General vary dramatically from state to state, reflecting differences in cost of living, state budgets, and the perceived importance of the role.

According to a 2023 report from The Council of State Governments, salaries for State Attorneys General can range from just over $90,000 to more than $200,000 per year.

Examples of State Attorney General Annual Salaries (2023):

| State | Approximate Annual Salary |

| :------------- | :------------------------ |

| New York | $210,000 |

| California | $193,737 |

| Illinois | $185,500 |

| Florida | $132,842 |

| Texas | $153,750 |

| North Dakota | $129,084 |

| Montana | $103,776 |

| Maine | $97,802 |

*Source: The Book of the States 2023, The Council of State Governments.*

As the data shows, there is no single "average" salary. A State AG in a high-cost-of-living state with a large population like New York earns more than double what their counterpart in Maine earns.

### The Real Engine: Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant Attorney General Salaries

This is the most relevant data for anyone aspiring to a career in this field. The vast majority of lawyers in the DOJ and state AG offices are career public servants whose pay is determined by structured government pay scales.

Federal Level: Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA) Salaries

Most AUSAs are paid on the Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale, which is specific to U.S. Attorneys' Offices and is pegged to, but often exceeds, the standard General Schedule (GS) scale. Entry-level AUSAs are typically hired at a level equivalent to GS-11 or GS-12, while highly experienced and supervisory AUSAs can reach GS-15.

The key factor here is Locality Pay. The base pay is adjusted to account for the cost of living in different metropolitan areas.

AUSA Salary Ranges (2024), Including Locality Pay Examples:

| :--------------------- | :--------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- | :--------------------------------------- |

| Entry-Level (GS-11/12) | $62,107 - $80,736 | $72,553 - $94,317 | $89,534 - $116,380 |

| Mid-Career (GS-13/14) | $89,835 - $116,787 | $104,946 - $136,423 | $129,504 - $168,368 |

| Senior/Supervisory (GS-15) | $124,196 - $161,452 | $145,082 - $188,604 | $179,048 - $191,900* |

*Source: 2024 Salary Tables, U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM). Note: The maximum salary for GS-15 is capped by law at the rate for Executive Schedule, Level IV ($191,900 in 2024).*

As you can see, an AUSA in San Francisco can earn over $40,000 more per year than an AUSA with the same experience level in a lower-cost area. The median salary for an experienced AUSA typically falls within the $130,000 to $170,000 range, making it a financially stable and respected career.

State Level: Assistant Attorney General (AAG) Salaries

Salaries for AAGs at the state level are generally lower than their federal counterparts and vary even more widely by state. They are set by state legislature and budget appropriations.

According to data from salary aggregators like Salary.com, the median salary for an Assistant Attorney General in the United States is approximately $110,000 as of late 2023.
Payscale.com reports a range for Assistant Attorney Generals from roughly $71,000 to $145,000.

An entry-level AAG in a low-cost-of-living state might start around $65,000-$75,000. In contrast, a senior AAG with specialized expertise in a high-cost state like California or New York could earn upwards of $150,000 or more.

### A Note on Compensation Components: More Than Just Salary

A government lawyer's compensation package is more than just the number on their paycheck. The benefits are often superior to what is offered in the private sector and hold significant monetary value.

Retirement Pensions: Federal employees are part of the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), a three-tiered plan that includes a Basic Benefit (pension), Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). A guaranteed pension is increasingly rare in the private sector.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): This is a 401(k)-style retirement savings plan. The government automatically contributes 1% of your basic pay and matches employee contributions up to an additional 4%, for a total of 5% in government contributions.
Health Insurance: The Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program offers a wide choice of excellent health insurance plans, with the government covering a significant portion of the premiums.
Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): This is a game-changer for lawyers graduating with significant debt. After making 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying government employer, the remaining balance on your federal student loans may be forgiven, tax-free. This benefit can be worth tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Generous Paid Leave: Federal employees enjoy substantial paid sick leave and vacation time, which accrues based on years of service.

When you factor in these benefits, the total compensation for a government attorney is often much closer to private-sector jobs than the base salary alone would suggest.

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Key Factors That Influence Salary

While government pay scales provide structure, several key factors determine an individual's specific salary and earning potential within that structure. Understanding these variables is critical for anyone planning a career as a public service attorney.

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Level of Education

In law, the baseline educational requirement is non-negotiable: a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school. However, nuances within your legal education can significantly impact your hiring prospects and starting salary, particularly for the hyper-competitive positions at the DOJ.

Law School Tier: Graduating from a "T14" (top 14) law school or a highly-ranked state university law school provides a distinct advantage. These schools have strong relationships with government agencies and a track record of placing graduates in prestigious roles. Hiring panels often use school prestige as an initial screening metric.
Academic Performance: A high GPA, graduating with honors (magna or summa cum laude), and being elected to the Order of the Coif (an academic honor society) are critical differentiators. These signal intellectual horsepower and a strong work ethic.
Law Review and Moot Court: Participation in a school's flagship law review or journal is highly valued. It demonstrates exceptional research, writing, and editing skills—the core functions of the job. Similarly, success in moot court or mock trial competitions proves an aptitude for oral advocacy and trial practice.
Advanced Degrees (LL.M.): While not required, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in a specialized area like Tax Law, National Security Law, or Environmental Law can make a candidate more attractive for specific divisions within the DOJ or a state AG's office, potentially leading to a higher starting salary or a faster path to specialized, higher-paying roles.

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Years of Experience

Experience is arguably the single most important factor in salary progression for a government attorney. The pay scales are explicitly designed to reward longevity and accumulated expertise.

Entry-Level (0-3 years): An attorney hired directly from law school or a judicial clerkship will typically start at the lower end of the pay scale (e.g., GS-11 or GS-12 for federal AUSAs). Their starting salary in 2024 could range from $72,000 to $95,000, depending on location and qualifications (like a federal clerkship).
Mid-Career (4-10 years): After several years of handling cases, developing expertise, and demonstrating competence, an attorney will progress up the pay scale to GS-13 and GS-14 levels. Their salary will typically move into the $105,000 to $150,000 range. This is where most career government attorneys spend a significant portion of their careers.
Senior/Supervisory Level (10+ years): Attorneys with a decade or more of experience are considered experts. They may take on roles as lead counsel in the most complex cases or move into management as a Deputy Chief or Section Chief. At the GS-15 level, they reach the top of the standard pay scale, with salaries ranging from $145,000 to the federal cap of $191,900 (as of 2024).

The most prestigious and direct path to a high starting salary at the DOJ is securing a federal judicial clerkship immediately after law school. Clerking for a federal judge for one or two years is seen as elite post-graduate training. The DOJ often gives "credit" for these clerkships, allowing a new AUSA to start at a higher step or grade (e.g., GS-12 or GS-13 instead of GS-11) than their non-clerk peers.

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Geographic Location

As shown in the salary tables above, where you work matters tremendously. This is true at both the federal and state levels.

Federal Locality Pay: The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) maintains dozens of different "locality pay" tables. An AUSA working in the Southern District of New York (Manhattan) or the Northern District of California (San Francisco) will have their base pay adjusted upward by over 40% to compensate for the high cost of living. In contrast, an AUSA in a district covered by the "Rest of U.S." table (e.g., Wyoming or Arkansas) will receive a smaller adjustment of around 17%. This can create salary differences of $50,000 or more for attorneys with the exact same level of experience.

Top 5 Federal Locality Pay Areas (2024):

1. San Jose-San Francisco-Oakland, CA (44.15%)

2. Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (36.87%)

3. New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA (37.24%)

4. Washington-Baltimore-Arlington, DC-MD-VA-WV-PA (33.26%)

5. San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA (33.00%)

State-Level Variation: For Assistant Attorneys General, the salary is dictated by the state budget. States with higher overall wages and a higher cost of living, such as California, New York, Massachusetts, and Illinois, tend to offer higher salaries for their AAGs. States in the South and Midwest with lower costs of living generally offer lower compensation. An AAG in Boston could easily earn $30,000 more than an AAG with similar experience in Jackson, Mississippi.

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"Company" Type & Size (Government Agency & Level)

In the public sector, "company type" translates to the level of government and the specific agency. This creates a clear hierarchy in terms of pay and prestige.

Federal Government (e.g., Department of Justice): Generally offers the highest salaries and most robust benefits for career attorneys. Positions as Assistant U.S. Attorneys (AUSAs) are considered the gold standard of public service litigation. Other federal agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) also hire attorneys and often have their own specialized, higher pay scales.
State Government (e.g., State Attorney General's Office): State AAG positions are also highly respected and offer competitive pay, though generally a step below federal salaries. The work is incredibly impactful, focusing on consumer protection, environmental enforcement, and criminal appeals at the state level.
Local Government (e.g., District Attorney's/County Counsel's Office): Salaries at the county or city level can vary dramatically. An Assistant District Attorney in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles County may have a salary structure competitive with state levels, while their counterpart in a small, rural county may earn significantly less.

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Area of Specialization

Within a large government office like the DOJ, specialization matters. While most attorneys are paid on the same scale, certain high-demand specializations can lead to faster promotions, more significant responsibilities, and better exit opportunities into the private sector.

Criminal Division Specializations:
Cybercrime & National Security: Attorneys who can prosecute complex computer hacking, intellectual property theft, and terrorism cases are in extremely high demand. This is a growing and prestigious field.
White-Collar & Corporate Crime: Prosecuting securities fraud, healthcare fraud (under the False Claims Act), and foreign corruption (under the FCPA) is a marquee area of the DOJ. Lawyers with a background in finance or accounting are highly sought after.
Civil Division Specializations:
Appellate Litigation: The lawyers who argue on behalf of the government in the U.S. Courts of Appeals and the Supreme Court are considered the best of the best. The Solicitor General's office is the most elite group of appellate advocates in the nation.
Environmental & Natural Resources Law: These attorneys handle complex litigation to enforce landmark statutes like the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Antitrust Division: With renewed focus on reining in corporate consolidation, especially in the tech sector, antitrust attorneys are at the forefront of major, headline-grabbing litigation.

While a tax attorney and a civil rights attorney might be on the same GS-14 pay scale, the tax attorney with specialized expertise might have more lucrative private-sector offers, creating different long-term career earnings potential.

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In-Demand Skills

Beyond formal qualifications, a specific set of skills will make a candidate more effective and, therefore, more valuable and likely to be promoted.

Trial & Advocacy Skills: Demonstrated experience in a courtroom—conducting direct and cross-examinations, delivering opening and closing statements, and arguing motions—is paramount, especially for criminal prosecutors.
Superior Writing and Research Skills: The vast majority of legal work is writing. The ability to write clear, persuasive, and legally sound briefs, motions, and memos is non-negotiable.
E-Discovery and Data Analysis: Modern litigation involves massive amounts of digital evidence. Attorneys who are proficient with e-discovery platforms and have the skills to analyze spreadsheets, databases, and financial records have a significant advantage.
Negotiation and Interpersonal Skills: Not every case goes to trial. The ability to negotiate effectively with opposing counsel to reach favorable settlements is a critical, time-saving skill.
Ethical Judgment and Integrity: In a public service role, this is the most important trait. Government attorneys are held to the highest ethical standards, and a reputation for unimpeachable integrity is essential for a long and successful career.

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Job Outlook and Career Growth

For those considering a decades-long career as a government attorney, the long-term outlook is a crucial consideration. The data indicates a stable and growing field, but one marked by intense competition for the most desirable roles.

### Job Growth Projections

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) provides the most authoritative data on the legal profession. In its Occupational Outlook Handbook, the BLS projects the growth for "Lawyers" as a whole.

Projected Growth: The BLS projects that employment for lawyers will grow by 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
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The Definitive Guide to an Attorney General USA Salary: Compensation, Career Path, and Public Service

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