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Lawyer Licensing in Colorado

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for lawyer in Colorado, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 12, 2026

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Lawyer in Colorado

Estimated timeline: 6-24 months

Core Requirements

  • License Type: Stand-alone license
  • Education: Degree required
  • Examination: Third-party exam required
  • Application Fee: See agency
  • Experience: Work experience required
  • Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
  • Continuing Education: Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Colorado Supreme Court • Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $167,970 median (11% above national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #5 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
  2. 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
  3. 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
  4. 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.

Salary Insights in Colorado

With a median salary of 167,970, Lawyers in Colorado earn 11% above the national median of $151,160. Colorado ranks #5 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Steady

QoQ Employment Change

+0.8%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,540

Median annual salary

$167,970

Hourly estimate

$80.75
11% above national median

Difference: +$16,810

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$81,940
  • P2525th percentile$110,160
  • P50Median$167,970
  • P7575th percentileN/A
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $167,970
National: $151,160

Total employment: 17,160 | Annual openings: N/A

Lawyer Salary Ranking

#5 of 50 statesfor Lawyer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California197,790
#2Massachusetts179,050
#3New York177,210
#4Delaware172,710
#5Colorado167,970

Nearby States Comparison

Lawyer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Colorado$167,970Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Wyoming$100,170Specific course requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Nebraska$104,970Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Kansas$112,000Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
Oklahoma$98,870Degree requiredThird-party exam required6-24 months
New Mexico$112,500Degree requiredState exam required6-24 months
Arizona$133,360Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months
Utah$125,710Varies by state boardState-approved exam6-24 months

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Colorado50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Wyoming54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Nebraska78HighBoard-specific review required.
Kansas50LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
Oklahoma68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Mexico54LowState-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required.
  • License status indicator: Active.
  • Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Colorado Supreme Court • Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel

1300 Broadway Ste 500, Denver, CO, 80203

Phone: 3034575800

Related Careers in Colorado

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$95,620Degree required6-24 months
Certified Public Accountant$90,030Degree required6-24 months
Civil Engineer$99,590Degree required6-24 months
Financial Advisor$85,580Specific course required6-24 months

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Lawyer in Colorado?

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Lawyers in Colorado?

Colorado lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Lawyers.

What education do you need to become a Lawyer in Colorado?

The board typically expects Degree required for Lawyer licensure in Colorado.

What is the typical Lawyer salary in Colorado?

The median annual salary for Lawyers in Colorado is 167,970.

How does the Lawyer salary in Colorado compare to the national average?

Lawyers in Colorado earn 11% above the national median of $151,160, with a state median of 167,970.

How many Lawyers work in Colorado?

Colorado employs approximately 17,160 Lawyers according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Lawyer license to Colorado from another state?

Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Lawyers in Colorado?

The licensing agency is Colorado Supreme Court / Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel.