A career as a federal attorney offers a unique blend of intellectual challenge, public service, and professional prestige. For lawyers driven by a mission to uphold the law on a national scale, it represents a pinnacle of legal practice. But beyond the significant responsibilities, what is the financial potential of this career path?
While the title "Federal Attorney General" refers to a single, cabinet-level position, the term "federal attorney" encompasses thousands of legal professionals working across dozens of government agencies. These roles offer competitive salaries that can range from $70,000 for entry-level positions to over $190,000 for experienced, senior attorneys, providing a stable and rewarding financial future.
This guide breaks down the salary you can expect as a federal attorney and the key factors that will shape your earning potential.
What Does a Federal Attorney Do?
A federal attorney is a lawyer employed by the U.S. federal government. They act as the legal arm of the nation, representing the United States, its agencies, and its interests in legal matters. Unlike private-sector lawyers who serve individuals or corporations, a federal attorney's client is the public.
Key responsibilities include:
- Prosecuting federal crimes: As an Assistant U.S. Attorney (AUSA), they prosecute offenses like drug trafficking, cybercrime, terrorism, and financial fraud.
- Representing the U.S. in civil litigation: They defend federal agencies against lawsuits and file suits on behalf of the government to enforce regulations or recover damages.
- Advising federal agencies: Attorneys in agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) provide legal counsel on policy, regulations, and compliance.
- Drafting and interpreting legislation: They help shape the laws and regulations that govern the country.
Average Federal Attorney Salary
The salary structure for most federal attorneys is governed by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) General Schedule (GS) pay system. This is a standardized scale with 15 pay grades (GS-1 to GS-15), further broken down into 10 steps within each grade to reward longevity.
According to data from Salary.com, the median salary for a Government Attorney in the United States is approximately $125,790 as of early 2024. The typical salary range falls between $108,180 and $145,580.
However, this number can vary significantly. Here’s a more detailed look:
- Entry-Level Federal Attorneys: Lawyers typically enter federal service at the GS-11 or GS-12 level, especially if they have completed a judicial clerkship or have a few years of experience. For 2024, this translates to a base salary range of approximately $62,107 to $80,736, before locality adjustments.
- Experienced Federal Attorneys: With several years of experience, attorneys can progress to GS-14 and GS-15 levels. Base pay at the GS-15 level can reach up to $155,700.
- The U.S. Attorney General: It is important to note that the salary for the single, politically appointed U.S. Attorney General is not on the GS scale. As a member of the President's Cabinet, their salary falls under the Executive Schedule. For 2024, the salary for Level I of the Executive Schedule is $246,400, according to the OPM.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as a federal attorney is not a single number but a calculation based on several critical factors.
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Level of Education
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school is the mandatory baseline for any attorney position. While having a J.D. doesn't directly increase your GS pay grade, credentials from a top-tier law school, a high GPA, or participation in prestigious programs like Law Review can make you a more competitive candidate for initial placement at a higher step or grade (e.g., GS-12 instead of GS-11). Furthermore, an advanced law degree, such as an LL.M. in a specialized field like Tax or Cybersecurity, can be a significant advantage when applying for roles in those specific departments.
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Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth in the federal system. The GS scale is explicitly designed to reward experience and performance through promotions to higher grades and "step increases" within a grade.
- 0-3 Years (Entry-Level): Attorneys often start at the GS-11 or GS-12 level.
- 4-10 Years (Mid-Career): An attorney can expect to be promoted to the GS-13 and GS-14 levels, seeing substantial salary increases.
- 10+ Years (Senior-Level): Highly experienced attorneys can reach the GS-15 level, the highest on the standard scale. Beyond this, top performers can be promoted to the Senior Executive Service (SES), a separate pay system for government leaders, where salaries can exceed $200,000.
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Geographic Location
The federal government recognizes that the cost of living varies dramatically across the country. To compensate for this, it applies a locality pay adjustment to the base GS salary. This can have a massive impact on your take-home pay.
For example, here is the 2024 salary for a GS-14, Step 1 attorney in different locations (Source: OPM 2024 Salary Tables):
- San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA (44.31% adjustment): $146,647
- Washington D.C.-Baltimore-Arlington, MD-VA-WV-PA (33.26% adjustment): $137,847
- Kansas City, MO-KS (17.55% adjustment): $121,417
- Rest of U.S. (16.82% adjustment): $120,669
Choosing to work in a high-cost-of-living area with a major federal presence, like Washington D.C. or New York City, will result in a significantly higher salary than a role in a lower-cost area.
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Agency Type
While most federal attorneys are paid on the GS scale, some federal agencies have statutory authority to use their own, often more lucrative, pay systems. This is typically done to compete with the high salaries offered in the private sector for specialized legal talent.
- Standard GS Scale Agencies: The Department of Justice (DOJ), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and most cabinet-level departments use the GS system.
- Agencies with Enhanced Pay Scales: Financial regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) often offer higher salaries than their GS-scale counterparts. An experienced attorney at the SEC, for example, could earn well above the GS-15 cap.
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Area of Specialization
Specializing in a high-demand, complex area of law can accelerate your career progression and place you in more senior, higher-paying roles. Hot fields within the federal government include:
- Cybersecurity and National Security Law: Critical in an age of digital threats.
- Intellectual Property (IP) Law: Essential for protecting U.S. innovation.
- Tax Law: A perpetually complex and necessary field within the IRS and DOJ.
- Healthcare Law: Focused on combating fraud in massive programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Attorneys with proven expertise in these areas are highly valued and may be selected for leadership positions more quickly.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for lawyers, including those in the federal government, is positive. 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 much faster than the average for all occupations.
The BLS anticipates about 39,100 openings for lawyers each year, on average, over the decade. While federal positions are famously competitive due to their job security, excellent benefits, and the prestigious nature of the work, the demand for legal expertise within the government remains steady. This ensures a consistent, if competitive, stream of opportunities for qualified candidates.
Conclusion
A career as a federal attorney is a path defined by purpose and public service. It also offers a clear and financially stable trajectory. While you may not reach the astronomical figures of a top law firm partner, you can build a very comfortable life with a six-figure salary, unparalleled job security, and excellent federal benefits, including a pension.
For aspiring legal professionals, the key takeaways are:
- Expect a strong, progressive salary: Earnings grow reliably with experience, from a solid starting salary to well over $150,000 for senior roles.
- Location is a major salary driver: Where you work can add tens of thousands of dollars to your annual pay through locality adjustments.
- Specialize and excel: Building deep expertise in a high-demand field can fast-track your career and earning potential.
For those who are passionate about the law and dedicated to serving the nation, a career as a federal attorney offers a powerful combination of meaningful work and financial stability.