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Assistant United States Attorney Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Assistant United States Attorney information

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$53K

$86.4K

$138.5K

How much do assistant united states attorney jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for assistant united states attorney in the United States is $86,445.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $95,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an Assistant United States Attorney?

Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) are federal prosecutors who represent the United States government in criminal and civil cases at the district court level. They work under the direction of the United States Attorney in each federal district and are responsible for prosecuting violations of federal law, defending the government in lawsuits, and handling appeals. AUSAs play a critical role in enforcing federal laws, ensuring justice, and maintaining public safety. Their work often involves collaborating with federal law enforcement agencies, preparing legal documents, conducting investigations, and presenting cases in court.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Assistant United States Attorney, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant United States Attorney, you need a Juris Doctor (JD) degree, strong legal research and writing skills, and admission to the state bar. Familiarity with federal court procedures, experience using legal research databases like Westlaw or LexisNexis, and sometimes specialized certifications are also important. Exceptional oral advocacy, ethical judgment, and the ability to work collaboratively with law enforcement and other stakeholders are critical soft skills. These qualifications ensure effective prosecution or defense of federal cases, uphold justice, and maintain public trust in legal proceedings.

What are some common challenges faced by Assistant United States Attorneys when managing a high-volume caseload?

Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) often handle a large number of cases simultaneously, which requires strong organizational and time management skills. Balancing court appearances, legal research, case preparation, and collaboration with law enforcement can be demanding. AUSAs must prioritize effectively, meet tight deadlines, and adapt quickly to changes in case strategy or new evidence. Regular communication with colleagues and support staff is essential for managing workload and maintaining the quality of legal work.

What is the difference between Assistant United States Attorney vs Federal Prosecutor?

AspectAssistant United States AttorneyFederal Prosecutor
CredentialsJuris Doctor (JD), bar admissionJuris Doctor (JD), bar admission
Work EnvironmentU.S. Department of Justice offices, federal courtsFederal courts, government agencies
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of Justice, federal governmentFederal government, legal system
Common Search IntentLegal roles in federal prosecution, government attorneysFederal criminal cases, prosecution roles

Both Assistant United States Attorneys and Federal Prosecutors are government attorneys working in federal courts with similar credentials. The main difference is that Assistant United States Attorneys are specific roles within the U.S. Department of Justice, whereas Federal Prosecutor is a broader term that can refer to any attorney prosecuting federal cases. Essentially, Assistant United States Attorney is a specific title, while Federal Prosecutor is a general description of the role.

How many Assistant United States Attorneys are there?

The number of Assistant United States Attorneys (AUSAs) varies by district and workload, but there are approximately 5,000 AUSAs nationwide. They serve in U.S. Attorneys' Offices across the country, handling federal criminal and civil cases, and typically require a law degree and bar admission. The size of each office depends on case volume and regional needs.

Is an assistant United States attorney a good job?

An Assistant United States Attorney is a prestigious legal position involving prosecuting federal cases and representing the government. It offers a challenging work environment, competitive salary, and opportunities for career advancement, often requiring strong legal skills and experience in criminal or civil law. The role typically involves long hours and high responsibility but provides valuable experience in federal law enforcement and litigation.

What cities are hiring for Assistant United States Attorney jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant United States Attorney job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of United States Attorney jobs?

The most popular types of United States Attorney jobs are:

Who are the top companies hiring for Assistant United States Attorney jobs?

The top employers for Assistant United States Attorney jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant United States Attorney jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant United States Attorney jobs include:

Infographic showing various Assistant United States Attorney job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,445 per year, or $41.6 per hour.

$77K - $197K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

Summary
The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa employs approximately 30 Assistant United States Attorneys. The District's headquarters office is located in Des Moines. The District has staffed branch offices in Davenport and Council Bluffs, which serve the District's eastern and western divisions.
More information about the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa can be found at: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdia
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Duties
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The closing date for this vacancy announcement has been extended.
The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Iowa is seeking an experienced attorney to serve as an Assistant United States Attorney in our Criminal Division. This position is located in Davenport, Iowa, one of the largest cities in the state and part of the vibrant Quad Cities region along the Mississippi River. We seek a highly motivated individual who is committed to public service and enjoys handling a broad range of complex criminal prosecutions on behalf of the United States.
Assistant United States Attorneys in the Southern District of Iowa handle a wide variety of complex cases, including offenses involving drug trafficking, firearms and other violent crime, child exploitation, immigration, and fraud. Assistant United States Attorneys handle these criminal cases at all phases of prosecution, including grand jury investigations, pre-trial proceedings, trials and sentencing hearings, and appeals.
Davenport offers an outstanding quality of life with an affordable cost of living, a strong legal community, and access to the cultural, recreational, and economic opportunities of the Quad Cities region. The area features a vibrant downtown, diverse dining and entertainment options, excellent schools, scenic riverfront attractions, and numerous parks and trails. Residents enjoy a family-friendly environment, short commute times, and convenient access to major transportation routes, making Davenport an exceptional place to live, work, and build a career.
Responsibilities will increase and assignments will become more complex as your training and experience progress.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
Residency Requirements: Assistant United States Attorneys generally must reside in the district to which he or she is appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district-specific information.
Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov.
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. Continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
  • You must be registered for Selective Service, if applicable.
  • J.D. degree and active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction) required.
  • Must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.

Qualifications
Required qualifications: Applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction), and have at least two-year post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience. At least three years of post-J.D. litigation experience is preferred, with extensive research and writing experience.
Preferred qualifications: Possess superior oral and written communication skills as well as strong interpersonal skills, exhibit good judgment, function with minimal guidance in a highly demanding environment, and a demonstrated record of integrity. Interested AUSAs or government attorneys must have at least a successful evaluation for the past year. All applicants must be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) and not have received any disciplinary action within the past three years from the date of the application. In addition, applicants must exhibit the ability to work in a supportive and professional manner with other attorneys, support staff, and client agencies, and the ability to lead, motivate, mentor, and evaluate other highly qualified attorneys.
Education
Applicants must possess a J.D. Degree
Additional information
Salary Information: Assistant United States Attorney's pay is administratively determined based, in part, on the number of years of professional attorney experience. The range of basic pay is $77,974 to $197,100 includes locality pay.
Other Benefits: The Department of Justice offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. The Benefits link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal Employees.
Relocation Expenses: Relocation expenses will not be authorized.
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This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.
Travel: Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Applicants should familiarize themselves and comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible conflicts of interest in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify this Office if you currently represent clients or adjudicate matters in which this Office is involved and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances.
Political Appointees (Current and Former): Political Appointees (Current or Former): The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action including removal from Federal Service.
Security Requirements: Initial appointment is conditioned upon a satisfactory preemployment adjudication. This includes fingerprint, credit and tax checks, and drug testing. In addition, continued employment is subject to a favorable adjudication of a background investigation.
EEO Statement/Policy: The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. More information can be found here: https://www.justice.gov/jmd/media/1425556/dl?inline.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.