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Lawyer Salary in Richmond, VA β€” 2026 Guide

Estimated salaries are adjusted for Richmond's cost of living (index: 97). National data from BLS OEWS 2024; city adjustments reflect local market conditions.

Lawyer Salary in Richmond β€” Key Numbers

$141,387
Median Salary
$92,383
25th Percentile
$219,453
75th Percentile
$339,500
90th Percentile
National median (Lawyer)$145,760
vs. National median-3.0%
Richmond median household income$68,200
vs. City household income+107.3%

Cost of Living in Richmond

Cost of Living Index
97(100 = avg)
Median Monthly Rent$1,287/mo
Rent-to-Income Ratio10.9%
Annual rent cost$15,444
Median Home Price$310,000
Home Price / Salary2.2Γ—
20% Down Payment$62,000
Years to save (20% rate)2.2 yrs

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

Job Market in Richmond

3.4%
Unemployment Rate
1,310,000
Metro Population
25 min
Avg Commute
35.8
Median Age

Richmond has a metro population of 1,310,000, offering a sizeable job market with strong opportunities across key sectors. The 3.4% unemployment rate is below the national average, suggesting a tight labor market favorable to job seekers.

Lawyer Salary β€” Other Virginia Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Lawyer make in Richmond, VA?

The estimated median salary for a Lawyer in Richmond is $141,387 per year (2026). This is derived from the national BLS median of $145,760 adjusted by Richmond's cost of living index (97). The typical salary range runs from $92,383 (25th percentile) to $219,453 (75th percentile), with top earners reaching $339,500.

Is Richmond affordable for a Lawyer?

On a $141,387 annual salary, a Lawyer in Richmond would spend approximately 10.9% of gross monthly income on median rent ($1,287/month). This is well within the 28% affordability threshold, making Richmond relatively affordable for this profession. The median home price of $310,000 is 2.2Γ— the annual salary.

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

Richmond's median household income is $68,200. A Lawyer earning the city-adjusted median of $141,387 earns 107.3% more than the typical Richmond household β€” placing them solidly in the middle-to-upper income tier for the city.

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.