For aspiring legal professionals driven by a strong sense of justice and public service, a career as a federal prosecutor is one of the most prestigious and impactful paths one can pursue. Representing the United States government in court, these attorneys handle some of the nation's most significant criminal and civil cases. But beyond the immense responsibility, what can one expect to earn in this coveted role?
While salaries for federal prosecutors—officially known as Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs)—may not reach the towering heights of top-tier private law firms, they offer a competitive, stable, and transparent compensation package. An AUSA can expect to earn a starting salary in the range of $70,000 to $90,000, with the potential to exceed $183,500 as a senior, experienced prosecutor in a high-cost-of-living area.
This guide will break down the official pay structures, key influencing factors, and long-term career outlook to provide a clear picture of a federal prosecutor's earning potential.
What Does a Federal Prosecutor Do?
A federal prosecutor is an attorney appointed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to represent the U.S. government in federal court. Their primary role is to prosecute individuals and organizations for violations of federal criminal law. They also handle civil cases where the United States is a party.
Key responsibilities include:
- Investigating Cases: Working alongside federal law enforcement agencies like the FBI, DEA, and ATF to gather evidence.
- Grand Jury Proceedings: Presenting evidence to a grand jury to secure indictments against suspects.
- Litigation: Drafting motions, negotiating plea bargains, and representing the government in all court proceedings, including trials and sentencing hearings.
- Appeals: Defending convictions in federal appellate courts.
It's a demanding role that requires sharp legal acumen, exceptional integrity, and a deep commitment to upholding the law.
Average Federal Prosecutor Salary
Unlike private-sector jobs, a federal prosecutor's salary is not based on billable hours or subjective bonuses. Instead, it is determined by a structured government pay scale. While salary aggregators provide useful market estimates, the official source is the U.S. Department of Justice.
According to Salary.com, the average salary for an Assistant United States Attorney in the United States is approximately $124,531 as of early 2024, with a typical range falling between $107,313 and $141,643. Similarly, Glassdoor reports a total pay estimate of around $168,000 per year, which includes base salary and potential additional pay.
However, the definitive framework is the Administratively Determined (AD) Pay Plan used by the DOJ for its attorneys. This scale functions similarly to the General Schedule (GS) system but is specific to legal professionals. As of 2024, the AD pay scale ranges from AD-21 (entry-level) to AD-30 (highly experienced).
- Entry-Level (0-4 years experience): Typically start at the AD-21 to AD-23 level. Base pay starts around $72,553.
- Mid-Career (5-10 years experience): Progress to the AD-24 to AD-27 levels.
- Senior-Level (10+ years experience): Can reach the highest steps of the AD scale, with base pay capped at $183,500 in 2024.
Crucially, this base pay is significantly increased by locality pay, which we'll explore below.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Several key factors determine where a federal prosecutor falls on the AD pay scale and what their final take-home pay will be.
### Years of Experience
Experience is the primary driver of salary progression for a federal prosecutor. The DOJ has specific requirements for each pay grade. For example:
- An entry-level AUSA straight out of a judicial clerkship might be hired at the AD-21 level.
- An attorney with 5 years of litigation experience in private practice might be hired at the AD-25 level.
- An AUSA with 15 years of dedicated service will have progressed through the steps to the highest pay grades.
Promotions to supervisory roles, such as Deputy Chief or Section Chief, also come with a significant pay increase.
### Geographic Location
Location is arguably the most significant factor affecting a federal prosecutor's salary. The federal government uses a locality pay adjustment to offset the higher cost of living in certain metropolitan areas. This percentage is added on top of the base AD salary.
For example, according to the 2024 locality pay tables from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM):
- An AUSA in the San Francisco-Oakland-San Jose, CA area receives a 44.15% locality pay adjustment.
- An AUSA in the New York-Newark, NY-NJ-CT-PA area receives a 37.24% adjustment.
- An AUSA working in a location covered by the "Rest of U.S." table receives a 16.82% adjustment.
This means a senior prosecutor at the maximum base salary of $183,500 would earn the same amount in Des Moines or San Francisco, as they are both capped by law. However, a mid-career AUSA with a base salary of $120,000 would earn $157,680 in New York ($120,000 x 1.3724) but only $140,184 in a "Rest of U.S." location ($120,000 x 1.1682).
### Area of Specialization
While the pay *scale* is the same for all AUSAs, certain high-demand specializations can make a candidate more competitive for a position and may command a higher starting salary based on their prior experience. Specialized units focusing on complex areas like:
- Cybercrime and National Security
- Complex Financial Fraud (e.g., healthcare or securities fraud)
- Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement
- Tax Evasion
Attorneys with a proven track record in these fields are highly sought after. This expertise can also fast-track an AUSA for promotions to supervisory positions, which carry higher salaries.
### Employer and Office
The employer is always the United States Department of Justice. However, the specific U.S. Attorney's Office or DOJ component can indirectly influence career trajectory. Positions in high-profile districts like the Southern District of New York (SDNY) or the District of Columbia are exceptionally competitive. While the pay scale is the same, the prestige and experience gained in these offices can lead to lucrative post-government opportunities in private practice or corporate counsel roles, significantly impacting long-term lifetime earnings.
### Level of Education
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree and bar admission are non-negotiable requirements. While the specific law school attended does not directly alter the salary step an AUSA is placed on, graduating from a top-tier law school, earning honors like *magna cum laude*, or serving on a law review can make an application far more competitive. Additional degrees, like an LL.M. in taxation or national security law, can also be a significant advantage when applying for specialized units.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for lawyers, in general, is stable. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, 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.
However, it is critical to understand that competition for federal prosecutor positions is extremely intense. U.S. Attorney's Offices often receive thousands of applications for only a handful of openings. Candidates typically need stellar academic records, prestigious clerkships, or significant prior litigation experience to be competitive.
Conclusion
A career as a federal prosecutor is a calling for those dedicated to public service. While the salary may be structured and capped compared to the private sector, it is highly competitive and provides a comfortable living, excellent federal benefits, and unparalleled job security.
Here are the key takeaways for anyone considering this path:
- Transparent Pay: Your salary is not a mystery. It's determined by the DOJ's Administratively Determined pay plan.
- Experience and Location are Key: Your years of relevant experience will set your starting pay grade, and your office's location will determine your locality pay adjustment—the two biggest factors in your final salary.
- Built for the Long-Term: The career rewards commitment, with steady salary progression and opportunities for promotion.
- Beyond the Paycheck: The immense job satisfaction, professional prestige, and high-level legal experience gained as a federal prosecutor are benefits that cannot be quantified.
For the right candidate, the role of a federal prosecutor offers a financially stable and deeply rewarding career at the heart of the American justice system.