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Law (Solicitor) Salary in Wales

Wales offers salaries typically 10-20% below the UK median, but with significantly lower living costs, particularly for housing. Cardiff has the strongest salary market in Wales, with a growing financial services and professional sector, while the wider economy relies on public sector, manufacturing and tourism.

Among the most affordable UK regions for housing. Welsh Government policies on public sector pay and economic development may differ from England.

Entry Salary
£33,250
Peak Salary
£171,000
Growth
+414%
Lifetime (25yr)
£2.6m

Salary Trajectory

Stage Years Exp P25 Median P75 P90
Trainee Solicitor 0+ £26,600 £33,250 £42,750 £49,400
Newly Qualified Solicitor 2+ £38,000 £49,400 £64,600 £80,750
Associate Solicitor 5+ £49,400 £64,600 £80,750 £104,500
Senior Associate 8+ £64,600 £83,600 £109,250 £137,750
Salaried Partner / Of Counsel 12+ £85,500 £114,000 £152,000 £199,500
Equity Partner 16+ £123,500 £171,000 £266,000 £475,000

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How Wales Compares

Mid-career Law (Solicitor) median salary by region

Compare with Other Careers in Wales

Law (Solicitor) in Other Regions

Based on ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) via NOMIS. Regional salary adjustments derived from ONS regional pay differentials. Career progression timelines based on industry research. All figures are gross annual pay estimates for full-time workers.