The amount you earn as a solicitor may depend on:
- your practice area
- your sector (solicitors working in commerce and industry tend to earn more than those in government or private practice)
- what stage of your career you’re at
- the size of your organisation
- your organisation's location in the UK
Trainee solicitors
Your salary will depend on the training contract offered by your employer.
There is no fixed amount that your employer must pay you. However, we recommend a minimum of £23,703 in London and £21,024 outside London.
Read our recommendations for a minimum salary for trainee solicitors
Qualified solicitors
In 2018 the average salary (median gross) for solicitors working full-time in private practice was £62,000 each year.
Average annual salaries by region
Greater London – £88,000
South of England – £56,000
Midlands and Wales – £46,000
North of England – £43,000
Average annual salaries by seniority
Equity partner – £130,000
Salaried partner – £75,000
Associate solicitor – £65,000
Average annual bonus
In 2018, 49% of private practitioners working full time received a bonus. The median bonus was £5,000 and the mean was £10,725.
Costs of qualifying
If you do not have a training contract, universities and colleges can charge up to £9,000 each year for courses, not including living expenses.