The College of Law’s second annual national salary survey has revealed that while legal salaries have risen well above inflation, dissatisfaction remains widespread, and the gender pay gap continues to be a stubborn feature of the profession.
The 2025 Australian Legal Salary Survey, which gathered responses from more than 1,100 legal professionals across the country, shows the average base salary has increased by 7 per cent to $109,353 – up from $102,100 in 2024.
Despite this, nearly 40 per cent of respondents reported they are unhappy with their pay.
“There are some significant themes in this year’s data, one of which is the large proportion of legal professionals who are dissatisfied with their salaries,” said College of Law Group CEO Marcus Martin. “We have seen the average base salary rise by 7 per cent on last year’s data, which is significantly above inflation, but this is the first year we have asked lawyers how they actually feel about their compensation.”
Work-life balance the top priority
When considering a new role, work-life balance ranked as the most important factor for 34 per cent of respondents, ahead of a competitive salary (29 per cent), career advancement (14 per cent) and professional development (12 per cent).
Employers appear to be responding, with 74 per cent of respondents receiving additional benefits – most commonly flexible working arrangements (52 per cent), the option to purchase extra leave (19 per cent) and provision of electronic devices (19 per cent).
Persistent gender pay gap
The survey confirmed a gender pay gap exists across all levels of experience within law firms. The overall gap in 2025 is 16 per cent, beginning as early as the graduate level, where a 6 per cent difference remains despite a 2 per cent improvement from last year.
The gap widens significantly with experience:
- One year or less: 6 per cent (down from 8 per cent in 2024)
- Five years or less: 6 per cent (up from 5 per cent)
- Six to 10 years: 22 per cent (unchanged from last year)
- Eleven years or more: 19 per cent (down from 25 per cent)
“A frustratingly persistent trend is the gender pay gap present across all levels of experience and role delineation within law firms,” Mr Martin said. “We must continue to educate the profession that there is an ongoing parity issue.”
Where the money is
Organisation type remains a major salary determinant:
- Corporates pay the highest average base salary at $151,989 (up 4 per cent)
- Not-for-profits: $114,471 (up 7 per cent)
- Government: $108,663 (up 7 per cent)
- Small to large firms: $107,367 (up 2 per cent)
- Boutique firms and sole practitioners: $97,253
Lawyers with postgraduate qualifications out-earn their peers, with average salaries above $131,000 – particularly pronounced for those with six to 10 years’ experience.
Bonuses and billables
Just under one-third (31 per cent) of respondents are eligible for performance-based bonuses, with the average bonus jumping 37 per cent to $15,247.
When it comes to billable targets, 51 per cent of respondents reported having none. Targets are most common in small to large firms (85 per cent) and least common in government, NFP and corporate roles (around 10 per cent). The average daily billable target remains at six hours.
