Salary & Compensation
How Much Do BigLaw Lawyers Make? The 2026 Salary Scale Explained
The real numbers behind BigLaw compensation in 2026, base salary, bonuses, and what nobody tells you about the take-home math.
BigLaw Bear · 3 min read
You've probably heard the number: $225,000 for a first-year associate straight out of law school. That's real. But there's more to the story than the headline figure.
Let's break it all down.
The 2026 Cravath Scale
Most major BigLaw firms follow what's called the "Cravath scale", named after Cravath, Swaine & Moore, the firm that traditionally sets the market rate. When Cravath raises salaries, almost every other BigLaw firm matches within weeks.
Here's the current scale:
| Year | Base Salary |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | $225,000 |
| 2nd Year | $235,000 |
| 3rd Year | $260,000 |
| 4th Year | $305,000 |
| 5th Year | $345,000 |
| 6th Year | $370,000 |
| 7th Year | $395,000 |
| 8th Year+ | $415,000 |
These are base salaries only. Bonuses come on top.
Bonuses
Most firms pay year-end bonuses if you hit your billable hours target (typically 1,950-2,000 hours). The standard bonus scale roughly looks like this:
| Year | Typical Bonus |
|---|---|
| 1st Year | $20,000 |
| 2nd Year | $25,000 |
| 3rd Year | $35,000 |
| 4th Year | $50,000 |
| 5th Year | $60,000 |
| 6th Year | $70,000 |
| 7th Year | $80,000 |
| 8th Year+ | $100,000 |
Some firms also pay "special bonuses" on top of this, basically extra cash when the firm has a strong revenue year. And a handful of elite firms (think Wachtell, Sullivan & Cromwell) pay above-market on both base and bonus.
What You Actually Take Home
Here's where the vibes shift. A first-year in New York earning $245,000 total comp might take home around $145,000-$155,000 after federal taxes, state taxes, city taxes, and 401(k) contributions.
That sounds like a lot, and it is, but in Manhattan, a one-bedroom apartment runs $3,500-$4,500/month. Add student loan payments ($2,000-$3,000/month for many associates) and you're not exactly swimming in cash.
The math gets much better by years 4-5, when your base jumps significantly but your fixed costs (rent, loans) haven't grown proportionally.
Does Every BigLaw Firm Pay This?
Almost. About 90%+ of firms typically classified as "BigLaw" match the Cravath scale. Some regional offices pay slightly less. A few firms in markets like Houston or Atlanta may discount 5-10%.
The firms that pay above market are a small group, mostly elite litigation boutiques and a handful of top-tier full-service firms. You can browse our firm directory to see how specific firms stack up.
The Bottom Line
BigLaw pays exceptionally well compared to almost any other entry-level job for a 25-year-old. But you're earning it: most associates work 50-70 hours per week, and the hourly rate, when you do that math, comes out closer to a well-paid professional job than the lottery ticket the headline number suggests.
The salary is real. Just make sure you understand the full picture, hours, location costs, and taxes, before you plan your life around it.
Keep this guide handy.
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