A career as a prosecuting attorney offers a unique opportunity to serve the public, uphold justice, and engage in challenging and meaningful legal work. But beyond the significant non-monetary rewards, what can you expect to earn? While it may not command the seven-figure salaries of top corporate law, a prosecutor's salary provides a stable, respectable income with a clear path for growth.
In this in-depth guide, we will break down the salary of a prosecuting attorney, exploring the national averages and the critical factors that influence your earning potential, from your years on the job to the city you serve. For those considering this vital public service role, understanding the financial landscape is a crucial first step.
What Does a Prosecuting Attorney Do?
A prosecuting attorney, also known as a District Attorney (DA), County Attorney, or State's Attorney, is a government lawyer responsible for representing the people in criminal cases. They are the chief legal representative of their jurisdiction—whether it's a county, state, or the federal government.
Their core responsibilities include:
- Reviewing Police Reports: Analyzing evidence and reports from law enforcement to determine if there is sufficient cause to file criminal charges.
- Filing Charges: Formally charging individuals with crimes on behalf of the state.
- Conducting Grand Jury Proceedings: Presenting evidence to a grand jury to secure an indictment for serious felonies.
- Negotiating Plea Bargains: Working with defense attorneys to reach a resolution without a full trial.
- Trying Cases: Presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and arguing the government's case before a judge and jury.
It is a high-stakes, high-pressure role that sits at the very heart of the American criminal justice system.
Average Prosecuting Attorney Salary
The salary for a prosecuting attorney is not a single number but a wide spectrum influenced by numerous factors. It's important to distinguish between the average for all lawyers and the specific figures for public-sector prosecutors.
According to Salary.com, the median annual salary for a Prosecuting Attorney in the United States is approximately $96,380 as of late 2023. Most prosecutors' salaries will typically fall within the range of $81,890 to $114,350.
This aligns with data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS groups prosecutors under the broader category of "Lawyers," which had a median annual wage of $145,760 in May 2023. However, the BLS provides a critical breakdown by industry, which paints a more accurate picture for prosecutors:
- Lawyers in State Government (excluding education and hospitals) earned a median salary of $133,310.
- Lawyers in Local Government (excluding education and hospitals) earned a median salary of $122,960.
These government figures are much more representative of a prosecutor's earnings. Entry-level positions, often titled "Assistant District Attorney," may start in the $65,000 to $80,000 range, while highly experienced, senior, or elected prosecutors in major metropolitan areas can earn $150,000 to over $200,000.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as a prosecutor will be determined by a combination of professional and environmental factors. Understanding these is key to charting your career path.
### Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the single most significant factor in salary growth. A prosecutor's career and pay scale are typically structured in clear tiers.
- Entry-Level (0-3 years): An Assistant Prosecuting Attorney fresh out of law school will handle lower-level cases, such as misdemeanors and less complex felonies. The focus is on learning trial skills and managing a heavy caseload. Salaries are at the lower end of the scale but often come with excellent government benefits.
- Mid-Career (4-10 years): With substantial trial experience, these prosecutors are trusted with more serious and complex cases, including homicides, major drug offenses, and significant financial crimes. Their salary sees a significant jump as their value and expertise grow.
- Senior/Supervising Attorney (10+ years): Senior prosecutors may lead teams, specialize in high-profile cases, or move into administrative roles. The most experienced attorneys who are elected as the head District Attorney for a jurisdiction will command the highest salaries, set by state or local law.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters immensely. Salaries are often adjusted to reflect the local cost of living and the jurisdiction's budget.
A prosecutor in a major metropolitan area like Los Angeles, Chicago, or New York City will earn a substantially higher salary than one in a rural county in a lower cost-of-living state. For example, the starting salary for an Assistant District Attorney in the Manhattan DA's office is significantly higher than a similar position in a small county in the Midwest, purely to account for the drastic difference in living expenses and to attract top legal talent in a competitive market.
### Employer Type
"Prosecutor" is a broad term, and the specific level of government you work for is a major salary determinant.
- Local (County/City): The vast majority of prosecutors work at this level in a District Attorney's or County Attorney's office. Salaries vary dramatically depending on the size and wealth of the county.
- State: State prosecutors work in the Attorney General's office. They may handle criminal appeals or prosecute specific types of statewide crime, such as consumer fraud, environmental violations, or public corruption. These salaries are typically set on a uniform, statewide government pay scale.
- Federal (Assistant U.S. Attorney - AUSA): Working for the Department of Justice as an AUSA is one of the most prestigious and competitive roles in law. AUSAs prosecute federal crimes and are paid on the Administratively Determined (AD) pay scale, which is generally higher than state and local prosecutor salaries.
### Area of Specialization
Within a prosecutor's office, developing an expertise can accelerate your career and place you on a path toward higher-paying roles. While it may not always result in an immediate pay bump, specialization in complex fields makes you more valuable and eligible for promotion. Key specializations include:
- Homicide Unit
- Special Victims Unit (SVU)
- Gang Prosecution
- Cybercrime and Digital Forensics
- White-Collar and Financial Crimes
Expertise in a high-demand area like cybercrime can open doors to senior roles within the government or lucrative opportunities in the private sector should you ever choose to leave public service.
### Level of Education
For any attorney, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an accredited law school and passing the state bar exam are non-negotiable requirements. While the prestige of your law school can play a role in securing your first job, especially in highly competitive offices, it has a diminishing impact on salary as your career progresses. Once you have a few years of experience, your courtroom record, trial skills, and reputation will be far more influential on your earning potential than your alma mater.
Job Outlook
The career outlook for prosecutors is stable and promising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, overall employment for lawyers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations.
While government hiring is directly tied to state and local budgets, the fundamental need for prosecutors to handle criminal cases remains constant. Furthermore, there is consistent turnover in prosecutor's offices as attorneys move to private practice, enter politics, or become judges. This turnover creates a steady stream of job openings for new and aspiring prosecutors.
Conclusion
Choosing a career as a prosecuting attorney is a commitment to public service. While it may not be the most lucrative path in the legal field, it offers a respectable and dependable salary with significant room for growth.
Key Takeaways:
- Solid, Stable Income: Expect a salary range from around $65,000 for entry-level positions to well over $150,000 for senior roles in major cities.
- Growth is Guaranteed: Your earnings will increase significantly with experience as you take on more complex and high-stakes cases.
- Location and Government Level are Crucial: Your salary is heavily influenced by the cost of living in your area and whether you work at the local, state, or federal level.
- More Than Just Money: The career offers unparalleled trial experience, job stability, excellent government benefits (pensions, healthcare), and the immense personal satisfaction of seeking justice for your community.
For those driven by a passion for the law and a dedication to the public good, a prosecuting attorney's salary provides the financial foundation for a long and rewarding career.