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Lawyer Licensing in Pennsylvania

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

Last verified: Feb 17, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

Third-party exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Lawyer in Pennsylvania

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • Third-party exam required

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    Supreme Court of Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners • Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $127,940 median (15% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #21 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (4)

  1. 1. Meet Pennsylvania eligibility requirements for Lawyer licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
  4. 4. Submit the application to Supreme Court of Pennsylvania~Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners~Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners and monitor board communications.

Salary Insights in Pennsylvania

With a median salary of $127,940, Lawyers in Pennsylvania earn 15% below the national median of $151,160. Pennsylvania ranks #21 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+1.7%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,364

Median annual salary

$127,940

Hourly estimate

$61.51
15% below national median

Difference: -$23,220

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$62,520
  • P2525th percentile$82,440
  • P50Median$127,940
  • P7575th percentile$192,180
  • P9090th percentileN/A

State vs National Median

State: $127,940
National: $151,160

Total employment: 26,340 | Annual openings: N/A

Lawyer Salary Ranking

#21 of 50 statesfor Lawyer median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1California$197,790
#2Massachusetts$179,050
#3New York$177,210
#4Delaware$172,710
#5Colorado$167,970

Nearby States Comparison

Lawyer licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Pennsylvania$127,940Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
New York$177,210No educational requirementsState exam requiredVaries by board
New Jersey$158,470Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Delaware$172,710Degree requiredThird-party exam requiredVaries by board
Maryland$143,490Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
West Virginia$102,240Specific course requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Ohio$125,450Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board

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
Pennsylvania68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New York68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
New Jersey68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Delaware68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
Maryland78HighBoard-specific review required.
West Virginia68MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply.
  • Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Official Licensing Agency

Official website verified

Supreme Court of Pennsylvania • Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners • Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners

P.O. Box 62535, Harrisburg, PA, 17106

Phone: 7177957270

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Pennsylvania

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Architect$95,640Specific course requiredVaries by board
Audio and Video Technicians$57,450Degree requiredVaries by board
Certified Public Accountant$77,330Degree requiredVaries by board
Civil Engineer$92,460Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

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

Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.

What exams are required for Lawyers in Pennsylvania?

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

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

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

What is the typical Lawyer salary in Pennsylvania?

The median annual salary for Lawyers in Pennsylvania is $127,940.

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

Lawyers in Pennsylvania earn 15% below the national median of $151,160, with a state median of $127,940.

How many Lawyers work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania employs approximately 26,340 Lawyers according to BLS data.

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

Transfer requirements vary by board. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.

Who is the licensing agency for Lawyers in Pennsylvania?

The licensing agency is Supreme Court of Pennsylvania / Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners / Pennsylvania Board of Law Examiners. Review agency details at https://www.pabarexam.org/.

How often do you renew a Lawyer license in Pennsylvania?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.