How Much Does a Managing Partner Make? (2025)
Whether becoming a managing partner or hiring one, knowing pay and job trends helps with better decisions.
As of July 11, 2025, managing partners in the U.S. earn an average of $194,160 per year, or about $93 per hour. They fall under the top executive category in the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which projects a 6% job growth from 2023 to 2033.
Continue reading to learn what managing partners do, how salaries vary, and which factors influence pay.
What Does a Managing Partner Do?
A managing partner is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of a law firm or legal department. This includes overseeing staff, assigning cases, and making sure work stays on schedule and within budget.
They handle complex legal matters, track case progress, and support attorneys through mentoring and training. Managing partners also make staffing decisions and help set the direction of the department.
The role usually requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.), State Bar membership, 5 years of related experience, and 1 to 3 years of supervisory experience.
What is Managing Partner Overview?
As of July 11, 2025, the average managing partner salary in the United States is $194,160 per year, or $93 per hour.
Based on our data, the managing partner's salary ranges from $155,244 to $242,552 per year, with most earnings reported between $173,790 and $219,490. The average managing partner salary per month is $16,180.
Managing partners typically earn an average of $93 per hour, with rates ranging from $75 to $117. Their average weekly pay is $3,734 and usually falls between $2,985 and $4,664.
2025 Managing Partner Average Salary: $194,160 per year ($93 per hour)
On the other hand, the core median salary for managing partners is $223,700 per year. This includes base pay and bonuses and may vary by percentile.
| Percentile | Salary + Bonus |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $159,089 |
| 25th Percentile | $189,880 |
| 50th Percentile | $223,700 |
| 75th Percentile | $269,580 |
| 90th Percentile | $311,351 |
The average total salary for managing partners is $299,231, based on our report. This includes benefits such as healthcare ($8,352), time off ($27,532), and Social Security ($13,697), which make up 16.6% of the total pay.
| Core Compensation | ||
|---|---|---|
| Median | % of Total | |
| Base Salary | $194,160 | 64.9% |
| Bonus | $29,540 | 9.9% |
| Social Security | $13,697 | 4.6% |
| 401K/403B | $9,395 | 3.1% |
| Disability | $4,474 | 1.5% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 2.8% |
| Pension | $12,080 | 4.0% |
| Time Off | $27,532 | 9.2% |
| Total Compensation | $299,231 | 100% |
What Can Affect Managing Partner Salaries?
The salary of managing partners can vary based on experience, location, and skills. Here's a closer look at each factor:
By Experience Level
According to our report, managing partners with less than one year of experience earn an average of $187,586 per year. Those with eight or more years of experience typically earn around $194,782 per year.
| Level | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Managing Partner | $187,586 |
| Intermediate Level Managing Partner | $188,370 |
| Senior Level Managing Partner | $190,200 |
| Specialist Level Managing Partner | $192,291 |
| Expert Level Managing Partner | $194,782 |
By Geographic Location
Aside from experience, managing partner salary in the United States also varies by location due to factors like cost of living, local economy, and industry activity.
For example, among major cities, San Jose offers the highest average salary a managing partner can earn at $244,890 per year, while Miami and Dallas report lower median salaries of $186,550 and $191,730 per year, respectively.
| City | 25th Percentile | 50th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose, California | $219,200 | $244,890 | $276,840 |
| San Francisco, California | $217,040 | $242,480 | $274,120 |
| Washington, D.C. | $192,420 | $214,970 | $243,020 |
| Miami, Florida | $166,980 | $186,550 | $210,880 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $179,590 | $200,640 | $226,820 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $193,830 | $216,540 | $244,790 |
| New York, New York | $201,400 | $225,010 | $254,360 |
| Dallas, Texas | $171,620 | $191,730 | $216,740 |
By Skills
High-demand skills drive salary increases for managing partners. According to our Real-Time Job Posting Salary Data Report, those with legal advice skills earn 12.56% more, while those with legal writing skills see an 8.34% boost. The demand for these skills is 17.98% and 9.76%, respectively.
| Skill | Salary Growth | Demand |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Advice | +12.56% | 17.98% |
| Legal Writing | +8.34% | 9.76% |
| Legal Document Review | +8.34% | 9.66% |
| Legal Analysis | +8.33% | 9.56% |
| Vendor Management | +7.83% | 9.76% |
| Contract Compliance | +7.72% | 9.86% |
How to Become a Managing Partner Specialist
If you're planning to become a managing partner, here's what you need to know to prepare for the role.
- Get education: Most managing partners hold at least a bachelor's degree in business, law, finance, or a related field. In law firms, a Juris Doctor (J.D.) and State Bar membership are typically required. Advanced degrees like an MBA or LLM can improve leadership opportunities.
- Gain experience and training: This role usually requires several years of experience in management, law, or business operations. Start by building leadership skills in mid-level roles. In legal settings, working as a senior associate or partner is a common path. Exposure to budgeting, operations, and strategic planning is valuable.
- Develop key skills: Strong leadership, communication, and decision-making skills are essential. Managing partners should also understand business development, client management, financial oversight, and team leadership. In legal roles, expertise in case strategy and compliance is important.
What are the FAQs about Managing Partner?
Here are some common questions about managing partner salary:
How does a managing partner get paid?
A managing partner gets paid through a salary, a share of the firm's profits, a stipend for leadership duties, or a combination of these methods. In many firms, compensation is designed to reflect their leadership role and is often among the top 20% of equity partners.
Is managing partner a high position?
Yes, managing partner is a high-level position, especially in law firms and professional service organizations. They lead the firm and make major decisions about its direction.
Who is higher, CEO or managing partner?
In most companies, the CEO ranks above the managing partner. The CEO oversees the entire organization, while the managing partner usually leads a division or partnership and reports to higher leadership.
How hard is it to become a managing partner?
Becoming a managing partner is competitive and requires advanced qualifications. According to our report, the role typically needs a Juris Doctor (J.D.), State Bar membership, 5 years of experience, and 1 to 3 years in a leadership role, along with strong legal and management skills.
