Lawyer Salary in Melbourne (2026)

Last updated 01/06/2026

Lawyers in Melbourne earn a median salary of $108,040 in 2026, with most advertised roles falling between $85,500 and $160,000. That sits 18% above Melbourne's all-roles median of $91,520. Figures are based on 28 jobs advertised on Seek.com.au in Melbourne in the last 30 days.

— Moderate demand 43th percentile by listing volume in Melbourne ↓ -3 listings vs last month

ADVERTISED RANGE

$85,500 – $160,000

Median: $108,040

Apr $120k

May $108k

↓ Trending down

Based on 2-month data — short-term movement only.

Mid level

$87,000 – $142,500

Salary ranges are percentiles calculated from advertised employer bands on Seek.com.au. Figures represent what employers publicly advertise and may differ from actual compensation. Sample size is small — treat figures as indicative.

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Bottom 10% $85,500 Median $108,040 $160,000 Top 10%

Understanding the Melbourne Market

Melbourne Lawyers earned $108,040 at the median in May, down $11,960 from April, with 28 listings (down 3). The wide spread of 69% (p10 of $87,000, p90 of $142,500) reflects the sharp difference between junior solicitor roles at smaller firms and experienced lawyers at top-tier practices or in-house teams. The drop from April's median is notable and, given the small sample, could reflect a shift in the types of roles advertised rather than a genuine wage decline. Eighteen percent above Melbourne's all-roles median is a real premium, but a modest one for a professional qualification of this depth.

Take Home Pay (based on median $108,040)

Weekly (net)

~$1,544

Monthly (net)

~$6,692

Annual (net)

~$80,299

Total package (incl. 2025-26 super at 11.5%) $120,464

Take-home calculated using 2025-26 ATO tax rates, no HECS debt, full Australian residency. Total package adds 11.5% superannuation to base salary. Adjust for your situation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good starting salary for a junior Lawyer in Melbourne?

Junior Lawyers in Melbourne earn from $87,000 at the p10 of current listings. Mid-level roles sit at $100,000, and reaching that figure typically requires two to four years of post-admission experience and a defined practice area specialty. Graduate salaries at top-tier firms often start above the dataset median due to structured programs not always captured in general listings.

Is $108,040 a good salary in Melbourne?

Yes, but marginally given the qualification. At $108,040, a Melbourne Lawyer earns 18.1% above the city's all-roles median. Melbourne has high living costs, and a law degree is one of the more expensive and time-intensive qualifications in Australia. Commercial law, insolvency, or corporate advisory roles at larger firms quickly move past this median; the figure is more reflective of smaller firm or generalist practice salaries.

How much does a Senior Lawyer make in Melbourne?

Senior Lawyers in Melbourne reach $142,500 at the p90. Getting above $120,000 typically requires seven or more years of post-admission experience with demonstrated billings performance, specialisation in a premium practice area (corporate, M&A, energy, or disputes), or an in-house counsel role at an ASX-listed company. Partnership track at a commercial firm is the highest-return path but not the only one.

Other roles in Melbourne

Lawyer salaries in other cities

City	Median salary	vs Melbourne
Melbourne (this page)	$108,040	—
Sydney	$125,000	+16%

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