How Much Do Real Estate Lawyers Make? Everything You Need to Know

The average salary for real estate lawyers in 2025 falls between $140,000 and $170,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, location, firm size, and specialization [1].

• Average Base Salary: $160,000 per year
• Typical Salary Range: $91,500 to $185,000 per year
• Total Compensation (Including Bonuses & Benefits): Can exceed $230,000 for top-earning attorneys

While entry-level real estate lawyers start around $90,000, mid-career professionals earn closer to $140,000 to $170,000, and senior lawyers at top firms or specializing in high-value transactions can command salaries well over $185,000.

3 States with the Highest Real Estate Lawyer Salaries

The top three states with the highest lawyer salaries are:

1. Rochester, New York, has the highest average salary for real estate lawyers, at $94,745 per year.
2. Framingham, Massachusetts, where the average salary is $92,112 per year.
3. San Francisco, California, comes in at third place with an average salary of $84,169 per year.

As you can see, all of these states have salaries that are well above the national average. However, other states include:

• Cleveland, Ohio - $84,160
• Wilmington, Delaware - $83,405
• Baltimore, Maryland - $80,688
• Washington, The District of Columbia - $78,686

Related Articles: Highest paid Types of Lawyers

3 States with the Lowest Real Estate Lawyer Salaries

The top three states with the lowest lawyer salaries are:

1. Charlotte, North Carolina, where real estate lawyers get paid below average at $57,081 per year.
2. Alpharetta, Georgia, where lawyers earn an average salary of $55,999 per year.
3. Jacksonville, Florida, where the average salary is $53,782 per year.

As you can see, the average salaries in these states are all well below the national average for real estate lawyers. However, there are a few other states where lawyer salaries are also low, including:

• Birmingham, Alabama - $52,258
• Nashville, Tennessee - $51,737
• Louisville, Kentucky - $50,711

“The majority of Real Estate Attorneys are located in NY, New York and GA, Atlanta while Real Estate Attorneys are most in-demand in New York, NY.” - Zippia's report on estimated demographics and statistics for Real Estate Attorneys in the US

See other articles related to defective product liability and personal injury lawsuits.

Real Estate Lawyer Compensation: Salaries, Bonuses, and Earning Potential

Real estate lawyers have diverse earning opportunities based on experience, firm size, location, and the type of clients they serve.

While the average salary sits around $84,000 per year, earnings can range from $45,000 to $155,000, depending on the compensation structure and career path chosen.

Beyond base salaries, bonuses, partnership earnings, solo practice potential, and in-house positions all play a role in determining long-term financial growth.

The following is a detailed breakdown of how real estate lawyers are compensated.

How Bonuses Boost Earnings

Law firms offer bonus structures to reward performance and encourage business growth.

These incentives vary but typically include:

1. Profit Sharing – A portion of the firm's overall profits is distributed among attorneys based on their contributions.
2. Revenue-Based Bonuses – Bonuses are directly tied to how much revenue an attorney generates for the firm.
3. Performance Metrics – Lawyers earn bonuses based on billable hours, client satisfaction, or deal volume.

Bonus Examples

• Some firms cap base salaries but offer lucrative bonus structures, allowing high performers to earn up to 20% more than their base pay.
• Others use a tiered system, where bonuses increase with seniority and billable hours.

These structures make private law firms attractive for those willing to meet performance goals.

How Partnership Increases Earning Potential

Lawyers who advance to partnership roles transition from salary-based earnings to profit-sharing models.

• Equity partners receive a percentage of the firm's profits, significantly increasing their annual earnings.
• Seniority and individual contributions to firm growth determine profit share percentages.

For attorneys aiming for long-term financial growth, becoming a partner can lead to earnings far beyond associate salaries.

Solo Practice: The High-Risk, High-Reward Path

Some real estate attorneys choose to run their own firms, trading job security for greater income potential.

• Solo attorneys keep 100% of their earnings but cover all business expenses.
• Success depends on client acquisition, marketing, and cost control.

While some solo practitioners struggle with inconsistent income, those who build strong client bases can out-earn firm associates.

Law Firm vs. In-House Compensation

Not all real estate attorneys work in law firms—many choose in-house counsel roles, where they work directly for corporations, banks, or property development companies.

• Law firm attorneys typically earn more through bonuses but face higher billable hour demands.
• In-house attorneys have stable salaries but often miss out on performance-based bonuses.

Attorneys who prefer work-life balance and consistent pay often choose in-house roles, while those seeking higher earning potential stay in law firms or solo practice.

Billable Hour Requirements: The Key to Earning More

Most law firms set billable hour targets (e.g., 1,800+ hours per year) as part of their compensation structure.

• Meeting billable hour targets unlocks bonuses and salary raises.
• Falling short can limit earning potential and career progression.

For lawyers looking to maximize their income, hitting or exceeding billable hour targets is crucial.

For those seeking higher financial rewards, focusing on law firm partnerships, high-volume deal-making, or starting a solo practice offers the best long-term earning potential.