Constitutional Lawyers: How Much Money Do They Make?

how much money does a constitutional lawyer make

A constitutional lawyer is an attorney who practices an area of law related to the US Constitution, which establishes governmental laws and guarantees the rights of citizens. They may handle cases involving issues such as freedom of speech or the right to due process. As of March 2025, the average salary for a constitutional lawyer in the United States is $100,626 per year, with salaries ranging from $47,000 to $138,000. However, the salary can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, education, experience, and employer. Constitutional lawyers working for law firms or government agencies typically receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, which contribute to their overall compensation package.

Characteristics Values
Average salary (US) $100,626 per year
Average salary (US) as of March 2025 $48.38 an hour or $100,626 per year
Average salary range (US) $79,000–$103,000
Top earners' salary (US) $131,000
Average salary in San Jose, CA $251,527
Average salary in Brookfield, WI $95,261
Average salary for lawyers in all areas of law (US) $126,930
Average salary for lawyers in state government (US) $97,440
Average salary for lawyers in federal government (US) $146,560
Average salary for lawyers in all areas of law (US) as of 2020 $148,910

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Average salary: $100,626 per year

As of March 2025, the average salary for a constitutional lawyer in the United States is $100,626 per year. This equates to an average hourly rate of $48.38.

Constitutional lawyers are attorneys who specialise in the laws and rules outlined in state and federal constitutions. They may work for private law firms, advocacy groups, government agencies, law schools, or political think tanks. These lawyers often argue their cases in federal courts, and some cases may make it to the U.S. Supreme Court. They typically work full-time and may work additional hours to meet their deadlines.

The average salary for a constitutional lawyer can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, education, experience, and employer. For example, the salary for a constitutional lawyer in San Jose, CA, is $251,527, which is 97% greater than the US average. The average salary for a constitutional lawyer in Brookfield, WI, is $95,261, which is slightly lower than the national average.

Constitutional lawyers with certain employers, such as law firms or government agencies, typically receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, which contribute to their overall compensation package.

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Salary range: $47,000 to $138,000

The salary of a constitutional lawyer can vary depending on factors such as geographic location, education, experience, and employer. While there is no salary data specifically for constitutional lawyers, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual salary for lawyers in all areas of law is $126,930. ZipRecruiter reports a similar average salary of $100,626 for constitutional lawyers as of March 2025, with salaries ranging from $47,000 to $138,000.

The broad salary range for constitutional lawyers suggests that there may be opportunities for advancement and higher pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience. For example, the average salary for a constitutional lawyer in San Jose, CA, is $251,527, which is 97% greater than the US average. Constitutional lawyers working in prestigious positions, such as those arguing cases in front of the U.S. Supreme Court, can also expect to earn higher salaries.

The complexity of constitutional law and the specialized nature of the work may contribute to higher salaries for constitutional lawyers. Additionally, those working for law firms or government agencies typically receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, which further enhance their overall compensation package.

It is worth noting that the job market for constitutional lawyers may vary depending on the location. For example, the job market in Brookfield, WI, and Wisconsin as a state is reported to be less active, with few companies currently hiring. However, the BLS expects employment for all lawyers to grow by 9% by 2030, which is in line with the average growth rate for all occupations.

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Top earners: $131,000

While there is no salary data specifically for constitutional lawyers, data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that lawyers in all areas of law make an average of $126,930 per year. BLS data from 2020 shows that all lawyers earned an average salary of $148,910 per year. The BLS does not provide salary data for lawyers by speciality.

Constitutional lawyers, who work in a complex area of law, may earn higher salaries. They often work for state or federal government agencies, law firms, law schools, or political think tanks. According to ZipRecruiter, the top 10% of constitutional lawyers earn $131,000 per year. Salaries for constitutional lawyers can vary depending on factors such as skill level, location, and years of experience.

The average salary for a constitutional lawyer in the United States is $100,626 per year, as of March 2025. This figure is supported by ZipRecruiter and Comparably, with the latter reporting a slightly higher average salary of $127,395. The average hourly rate for a constitutional lawyer is $48.38.

The salary for a constitutional lawyer can vary depending on location. For example, the average salary for a constitutional lawyer in San Jose, California, is $251,527, which is 97% higher than the US average.

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Highest-paying location: San Jose, CA

San Jose, California, is the highest-paying location for constitutional lawyers in the United States. The average annual pay for a constitutional lawyer in the US is between $64,799 and $127,395, depending on the source. However, in San Jose, the average salary for this profession is significantly higher, ranging from $127,938 to $251,527 per year.

The high salary in San Jose can be attributed to various factors, such as the high cost of living in the area and the demand for legal services. The salary for constitutional lawyers in San Jose is also relatively consistent, with a limited potential for wage advancement based on location alone. The range of salaries for constitutional lawyers in California as a whole varies greatly, suggesting that factors other than location, such as skill level and experience, play a more significant role in determining pay.

The salary for a constitutional lawyer in San Jose, CA, is notably higher than the average salary for attorneys in the city, which is approximately $125,519 per year. This highlights the specialized nature of constitutional law and the high demand for qualified professionals in this field.

While the average salary for a constitutional lawyer in San Jose is impressive, it is worth noting that the job market for this profession in California may not be very active, with few companies currently hiring. However, this information is from April 2025, and the job market may fluctuate over time. Overall, the high salary for constitutional lawyers in San Jose, CA, presents a lucrative opportunity for qualified professionals in the field.

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Benefits: health insurance, retirement plans

The salary of a constitutional lawyer in the United States varies depending on the source consulted. According to ZipRecruiter, as of April 2025, the average annual pay for a Constitutional Lawyer in the United States is $100,626. This figure can be broken down to approximately $48.38 an hour, $1,935 per week, or $8,385 per month. ZipRecruiter also notes that salaries can range from as low as $47,000 to as high as $138,000. The majority of salaries fall between $79,000 (25th percentile) and $103,000 (75th percentile), with the top earners (90th percentile) making $131,000 annually.

In contrast, Comparably.com reports that the average annual salary for a Constitutional Lawyer in the US is $127,395, with those in San Jose, CA earning the most at $251,527, 97% greater than the US average.

Another source suggests that the average annual pay for a Constitutional Lawyer in the United States is $62,148, with salaries ranging from $32,500 to $103,500. However, it is worth noting that this data is from March 31, 2025, and may not reflect the most recent information.

It is important to remember that these salary estimates are not always verified by employers, and actual compensation can vary based on factors such as geographic location, education, experience, and employer.

In terms of benefits, constitutional lawyers who work for law firms or government agencies typically receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, which contribute to their overall compensation package. These benefits can provide financial security and peace of mind, ensuring that constitutional lawyers are taken care of in terms of their health and future retirement plans. While specific details of these plans may vary, they often serve as valuable additions to the lawyer's overall employment package.

Frequently asked questions

On average, a constitutional lawyer in the US makes $100,626 per year. However, salaries can range from as low as $47,000 to as high as $138,000 per year.

Location can have a significant impact on the salary of a constitutional lawyer. For example, the average salary for a constitutional lawyer in San Jose, CA, is $251,527, while in Nome, AK, it is 5% lower.

Yes, constitutional lawyers working for law firms or government agencies typically receive benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans, which contribute to their overall compensation package.

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