Workforce Insights: San Diego Professional (Legal)

This report provides a detailed overview of salary ranges, employment figures, and workforce trends for key industrial roles, offering insights into local hiring landscapes. It supports employers and HR professionals in workforce planning and salary benchmarking by highlighting regional dynamics and industry-specific data. PROFESSIONAL STAFFING: LEGAL Workforce Insights: San Diego, CA Salaries, Employment Trends, and Key Industry Data ● Employment growth projected at 4.8%, remaining above national average ● Tech employment growth moderates to 2–2.5% YoY as companies prioritize efficiency and AI integration ● Job gains led by healthcare, professional services, and business support roles Employment Growth ● Ongoing effects of California’s $20 fast-food minimum wage continue to influence wage benchmarks ● Employers in adjacent industries face upward pressure on entry-level and hourly pay Minimum Wage Increase ● Median salary across roles increases to $85,000/year ● Ongoing effects of California’s $20 fast-food minimum wage continue to influence wage benchmarks ● Wage growth continues at a cautious pace, constrained by persistent housing and cost-of-living pressures ● Increased focus on automation and workforce optimization to offset labor costs Wage Trends ● Orange County GDP growth projected at 2.2–2.6%, signaling steady but moderate expansion ● Ongoing investment in: a. Technology and AI-enabled business operations b. Healthcare infrastructure and outpatient facilities c. Clean energy and sustainability-focused projects Economic Growth & Trends SB 294 – Workplace Know Your Rights Act Notices ● Starting Feb 1, 2026, employers must provide an annual “Know Your Rights” notice to employees. ● Must cover workers’ comp, immigration protections, union/concerted activity, and rights during law enforcement interactions. ● Must be provided in the employee’s workplace communication language. ● Employees must be able to designate an emergency contact by March 30, 2026. Why that impacts salary: Adds compliance workload and accelerates onboarding/policy standardization. SB 617 – Cal-WARN Notice Updates ● Effective Jan 1, 2026, Cal-WARN notices must include expanded required details. ● Must include local workforce board coordination info and CalFresh assistance contacts. ● If coordinating services, employers must arrange them within 30 days. Why that impacts salary: Increases risk and admin demands during workforce reductions. Legislation Insights

By leveraging these insights, businesses can make informed decisions to remain competitive in a dynamic labor market, align compensation strategies with market realities, and address staffing challenges proactively. To stay ahead in today’s rapidly evolving economic landscape, we encourage you to delve deeper into localized trends and leverage this data for strategic workforce planning. For more tailored insights or assistance with your hiring needs, contact our team of experts to explore customized solutions that drive success in your organization. Legal Low Medium High Number Employed Attorneys $93,184 $147,264 $181,480 9,203 Legal Assistant $52,000 $71,448 $82,888 3,818 Compliance Specialists & Officers $76,440 $106,600 $127,400 6,164 Intellectual Property Specialist $46,072 $69,576 $81,536 9,203 Paralegals $59,592 $71,448 $82,888 3,818 The salaries listed are estimates and may vary based on experience, location, and industry demand. ● Median legal salaries in San Diego are estimated at approximately $105,000–$110,000 per year, with senior and specialized attorneys earning significantly higher compensation ● Wage growth remains measured as firms balance rising labor costs with client rate sensitivity ● Flexible work arrangements, bonuses, and contract-based legal roles are increasingly used to attract and retain talent Legal Wage Trends ● Legal employment in San Diego is projected to grow approximately 3.5–4.5% in 2026, supported by healthcare, life sciences, defense, and technology sectors ● Demand is strongest for experienced attorneys, paralegals, and compliance professionals, particularly in employment law, healthcare, IP, and government contracting ● Regulatory complexity, labor law changes, and continued industry growth are sustaining legal demand, while competition and cost-of-living pressures continue to challenge talent attraction and retention Legal Employment Trends