How does a Lawyer's salary in Pittsburgh compare to the rest of Pennsylvania?

Pittsburgh's cost of living index is 91 vs. the national average of 100, so salaries are adjusted downward accordingly. A Lawyer earning the city-adjusted median of $132,642 earns $71,842 more than the median household income in Pittsburgh ($60,800).

Lawyer Salary in Pittsburgh, PA — 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Pittsburgh's cost of living (index: 91). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Lawyer Salary in Pittsburgh — Key Numbers

$132,642

Median Salary

$86,668

25th Percentile

$205,878

75th Percentile

$318,500

90th Percentile

National median (Lawyer)$145,760

vs. National median-9.0%

Pittsburgh median household income$60,800

vs. City household income+118.2%

Cost of Living in Pittsburgh

Cost of Living Index

91(100 = avg)

Median Monthly Rent$1,295/mo

Rent-to-Income Ratio11.7%

Annual rent cost$15,540

Median Home Price$200,000

Home Price / Salary1.5×

20% Down Payment$40,000

Years to save (20% rate)1.5 yrs

Rent-to-income below 28% is considered affordable; above 35% is cost-burdened. Home price multiple below 3× is affordable; above 5× is expensive by traditional guidelines.

Job Market in Pittsburgh

3.7%

Unemployment Rate

2,410,000

Metro Population

26 min

Avg Commute

38.8

Median Age

Pittsburgh has a metro population of 2,410,000, offering a large, diverse job market with many employers across all industries. The 3.7% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Financial Calculators for Pittsburgh

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Cost of Living — Pittsburgh

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Lawyer Salary in Pennsylvania

Statewide salary breakdown

Other Professions in Pittsburgh

Physician$208,663 Chief Executive Officer$191,100 Dentist$159,714 IT Manager$154,254 Marketing Manager$143,434 HR Manager$124,079

Lawyer Salary — Other Pennsylvania Cities

Philadelphia, PA$147,218 Allentown, PA$142,845 Harrisburg, PA$132,642 Scranton, PA$123,896 Lancaster, PA$137,014

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyer make in Pittsburgh, PA?

The estimated median salary for a Lawyer in Pittsburgh is $132,642 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $145,760 adjusted by Pittsburgh's cost of living index (91). The typical salary range runs from $86,668 (25th percentile) to $205,878 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $318,500.

Is Pittsburgh affordable for a Lawyer?

On a $132,642 annual salary, a Lawyer in Pittsburgh would spend approximately 11.7% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,295/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Pittsburgh relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $200,000 is 1.5× the annual salary.

How does a Lawyer's salary compare to Pittsburgh's overall income?

Pittsburgh's median household income is $60,800. A Lawyer earning the city-adjusted median of $132,642 earns 118.2% more than the typical Pittsburgh household — placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

Explore More Salary Data

Lawyer — National Lawyer in Pennsylvania All Salary Guides

Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS, 2024 release. City salary estimates adjusted by cost of living index. City data from Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, and ApartmentAdvisor (2024–2025). Last updated: March 2026.