Lawyers in the United States earn a median salary of $151,160 per year, according to May 2024 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest-paid 10% make under $72,780 annually, while the highest-paid 10% earn over $239,200. What you actually make as a lawyer depends heavily on where you practice, who employs you, and how much experience you have.
Average Lawyer Salary in the United States
National Median Salary
The median annual wage for lawyers sits at $151,160 as of May 2024. That works out to roughly $72.67 per hour if you calculate it based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Keep in mind that "median" means half of all lawyers earn more than this amount and half earn less—it's the midpoint, not an average of all salaries added together.
Different data sources report slightly different figures. The BLS uses May 2024 data showing $151,160, while some aggregators like SoFi cite $182,750 for the same period. These variations come from different methodologies and sample sizes.
Salary Distribution by Percentile
Here's how lawyer salaries break down across the earnings spectrum:
The bottom 10% of lawyers earn less than $72,780 annually. These tend to be newer lawyers in lower-cost markets or those working in public interest roles.
At the 25th percentile, lawyers make around $99,760. This means three-quarters of all lawyers earn more than this amount.
The median—right in the middle at the 50th percentile—is $151,160.Lawyers at the 75th percentile earn $215,420 or more. Only the top quarter of earners reach this level.
The top 10% make over $239,200, with some earning substantially more depending on their practice area and employer.
Understanding percentiles matters because legal salaries don't follow a smooth curve. There's often a gap between what large firm lawyers make and everyone else.
How Lawyer Pay Compares to Other Occupations
Lawyers earn well above the national median wage of $49,500 for all occupations. That's more than three times the typical American worker's salary.
Interestingly, lawyers out-earn even judges and hearing officers, who have a median salary of $135,160. Other legal professions fall further behind—paralegals and legal assistants earn a median of $61,010, while court reporters make $63,560.
Among high-earning professions, lawyers rank well but aren't in the absolute top tier. Certain medical specialties, executive roles, and technical positions can command higher compensation.
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How Much Do Starting Lawyers Make
Entry-Level Lawyer Salaries
Fresh out of law school, new lawyers earn an average of $100,626 annually, according to ZipRecruiter data. But that average masks a huge range—some first-year associates make as little as $47,000, while others start above $138,000.
This wide variation isn't random. Large law firms in major cities often pay first-year associates $190,000 to $215,000, while smaller firms in less expensive markets might start lawyers at $60,000 to $80,000. The legal profession has what economists call a bimodal salary distribution for new lawyers—two distinct peaks rather than a smooth curve.
Factors Affecting Starting Salary
Where you went to law school matters significantly. Top-tier law schools place more graduates into high-paying large firm positions. Graduating in the top third of your class opens doors regardless of school ranking.
Geography plays an obvious role. A first-year lawyer in New York City or San Francisco commands a different salary than one in rural Montana, even at similar firm types.
Firm size creates the biggest divide. Large firms (especially those with 100+ lawyers) pay substantially more than small firms or solo practitioners who hire new associates.
Some practice areas attract higher starting salaries. Patent law, for instance, typically pays more because it requires technical expertise beyond the law degree. Corporate law at large firms also tends to start higher than family law or general practice.
Prior experience through judicial clerkships can boost starting salaries and provide valuable training, though clerkships themselves often pay less than firm positions.
Lawyer Salary by State
Highest-Paying States
California leads the nation with lawyers earning a median of $175,680 according to USAFacts data, though some sources cite figures as high as $254,170. The state's large economy, tech industry, and concentration of major law firms drive these high salaries.
New York lawyers earn a median of $172,880 to $208,080 depending on the data source. Manhattan's legal market significantly pulls up the state average.
Massachusetts lawyers make around $161,530 to $218,340 median. Boston's financial and healthcare sectors create strong demand for legal services.
Washington DC isn't a state, but lawyers there earn $177,880 to $236,700 median. The concentration of federal government work, lobbying, and regulatory practices drives high compensation.
Colorado rounds out the top five with lawyers earning a median of $147,280 to $208,710. Denver's growing tech and energy sectors support healthy legal salaries.
Lowest-Paying States
Montana has the lowest median lawyer salary at $109,190. The state's smaller economy and population limit high-paying opportunities.
Mississippi lawyers earn a median of $80,540 to $112,690. Despite the low nominal salary, cost of living is also lower.
West Virginia lawyers make around $117,770 median. The state's economic challenges affect legal salaries.
Kentucky lawyers earn approximately $82,540 to $116,020 median, well below the national figure.
Wyoming, despite its small population, pays lawyers around $82,540 to $133,570 median depending on the data source.
Cost of Living Adjustments
Raw salary numbers don't tell the whole story. A lawyer making $99,280 in Hawaii might struggle more than one earning $80,540 in Mississippi because of housing costs, taxes, and general expenses.
When adjusted for cost of living, some high-salary states drop in the rankings. Hawaii, despite nominal salaries around $99,280, adjusts down to approximately $89,571 in purchasing power. Vermont and Maine also rank lower when living costs are factored in.
Conversely, Mississippi's $80,540 median salary has the purchasing power of roughly $92,000 when adjusted for the state's lower costs.
Highest-Paying Cities and Metro Areas
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara in California tops the list with a median lawyer salary of $232,320 to $314,430. Silicon Valley's tech industry needs constant legal support for patents, contracts, and corporate matters.
San Francisco lawyers earn a median of $275,170. The city's concentration of tech companies, venture capital, and established law firms drives high compensation.
Los Angeles lawyers make around $270,610 median. Entertainment law, corporate work, and litigation all thrive in LA's diverse economy.
Santa Rosa, California pays lawyers a median of $258,550, benefiting from the broader Bay Area legal market.
Bridgeport, Connecticut rounds out the top five with lawyers earning around $238,240 median, serving wealthy suburbs and corporate clients.
On the opposite end, smaller metro areas in Arkansas and Indiana report median salaries in the $64,000 to $68,000 range.
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Lawyer Salary by Employer Type
Legal Services (Law Firms)
Lawyers working in legal services—which includes everything from solo practitioners to massive international firms—earn a median of $143,470. This category employs about 51% of all lawyers, making it the largest employer type.
That median figure doesn't capture the full picture. Large firms often pay first-year associates $190,000 or more, while small firms might pay experienced lawyers $80,000 to $120,000. The "legal services" category lumps all of these together.
Federal Government
Federal government lawyers earn a median of $174,680, the highest among government positions. These lawyers work for agencies like the Department of Justice, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Trade Commission, and various regulatory bodies.
Federal positions typically offer strong benefits, job security, and reasonable hours compared to large law firms, though the salary ceiling is lower than private practice partnership potential.
State Government
State government lawyers make a median of $111,280. These positions include state attorneys general offices, regulatory agencies, and legislative counsel.
The work can be meaningful but pays substantially less than federal positions or private practice.
Local Government
Local government employs lawyers at a median salary of $125,180. City attorneys, county counsels, and public defenders fall into this category.
Local government positions sit between state and federal pay, though specific roles vary widely.
Self-Employed Lawyers
About 12% of lawyers work for themselves, either as solo practitioners or in small partnerships. The BLS doesn't include self-employed income in its wage statistics, so we can't cite exact figures for this group.
What's known from other sources: solo practitioner income varies enormously. Some establish thriving practices earning well above the median, while others struggle to match even lower percentile salaries, especially in their first few years.
Lawyer Salary by Industry
Highest-Paying Industries
Lawyers working in nonscheduled air transportation earn a mean salary of $310,250. This niche category involves legal work for charter airlines and aviation companies.
Computer and peripheral equipment manufacturing pays lawyers a mean of $276,160. Tech companies need extensive legal support for patents, intellectual property, and corporate matters.
Office administrative services employ lawyers at a mean salary of $261,740. This category includes staffing agencies and business support services.
Spectator sports pays lawyers a mean of $251,260. Professional sports teams, leagues, and related organizations employ attorneys for contracts, labor relations, and various legal matters.
Note that these are mean (average) salaries, not medians. A few very high earners can pull up the mean significantly.
Lowest-Paying Industries
Individual and family services employ lawyers at a mean salary of $78,240. This includes social services and nonprofit work focused on helping vulnerable populations.
Community food and housing, and emergency relief services pay lawyers a mean of $88,010. Again, nonprofit and mission-driven work tends to pay less.
Other schools and instruction—covering technical schools, training programs, and educational services outside traditional K-12 and universities—pay lawyers a mean of $99,560.
These lower-paying industries often attract lawyers who prioritize mission over compensation.
Healthcare and Education Sectors
Lawyers working in healthcare and education sectors generally earn below $100,000 in mean salary. These fields value legal expertise but operate on tighter budgets than corporate sectors.
The trade-off often comes with more predictable hours, meaningful work, and serving communities rather than maximizing profit.
Lawyer Salary by Practice Area
Highest-Paying Specialties
Patent attorneys typically earn among the highest salaries in the legal profession. The job requires both a law degree and technical expertise, usually in engineering or hard sciences. This double qualification commands premium compensation.
Intellectual property attorneys more broadly also earn strong salaries protecting trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
Trial lawyers who specialize in high-stakes litigation can earn substantial fees, especially those handling complex commercial disputes or major personal injury cases.
Tax attorneys, particularly those advising corporations on complex transactions, command high compensation for their specialized knowledge.
Corporate lawyers working on mergers, acquisitions, and securities offerings often earn among the highest salaries, especially at large firms.
That said, specific salary data broken down by practice area is limited in government statistics. These observations come from industry knowledge rather than hard data.
Common Legal Specializations
Criminal law, family law, environmental law, personal injury, and real estate law represent other major practice areas. Salary in these fields varies more by employer type and geographic location than by the specialization itself.
A criminal defense attorney at a high-end boutique firm might out-earn a corporate lawyer at a small firm. The specialization matters less than the specific market position.
How Lawyer Salaries Progress Over Time
Career Trajectory
Lawyers typically start as associates working under more experienced attorneys. As they gain expertise and bring in clients, their value and compensation increase.
The path varies significantly by employer. Large firms have structured advancement tracks with salary increases each year. Small firms and government positions may have less predictable progression.
From Associate to Partner
In traditional law firm structures, successful associates eventually make partner. This transition fundamentally changes compensation—partners own part of the firm and share in its profits rather than drawing a salary.
Partner compensation can range from modestly above senior associate pay to millions of dollars annually, depending on the firm's success and the partner's client base.
Not all lawyers follow the partnership track. Many move in-house to corporations, shift to government work, or establish solo practices. Each path has different financial implications.
Education and Training Requirements
Educational Path
Becoming a lawyer requires seven years of full-time study after high school. You need four years for a bachelor's degree, then three years of law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.).
There's no specific undergraduate major required, though many lawyers studied history, political science, English, or business before law school.
Bar Examination and Licensing
After law school, you must pass your state's bar examination to practice law. This is typically a two- or three-day test covering various legal subjects and ethics.
Most states require continuing legal education throughout your career to maintain your license. You can't just pass the bar once and never study again.
Educational Investment Context
Law school carries a significant financial cost. Tuition at prestigious schools can exceed $70,000 per year, leading to total debt loads of $150,000 to $250,000 or more when combined with undergraduate loans.
This debt influences career choices. Lawyers with heavy debt loads often feel pressure to take higher-paying positions rather than pursuing lower-paid public interest work they might prefer.
Work Hours and Compensation Structure
Typical Work Schedule
Most lawyers work full-time, and many regularly exceed 40 hours per week. Large firm associates might work 50 to 70 hours weekly, especially when handling major deals or litigation.
The work can be stressful. Deadlines, client demands, and high stakes create pressure. Trials and deal closings sometimes require intense periods of long days.
Self-employed lawyers may have more schedule flexibility but also bear the uncertainty of variable income and the responsibility of running a business.
Compensation Beyond Base Salary
The salary figures discussed here represent base compensation. Many lawyers, especially at large firms, also receive year-end bonuses that can range from a few thousand dollars to 20% or more of base salary.
Benefits packages vary by employer. Large firms typically offer health insurance, retirement contributions, and other perks. Government positions often have excellent benefits and pension plans that partially offset lower salaries.
The statistics available don't break down total compensation, so the actual earnings gap between different employer types may be smaller than base salary comparisons suggest.
Job Outlook and Growth
Employment Projections
The legal profession is expected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, which matches the average for all occupations. This translates to about 35,900 new lawyer positions over the decade.
Currently, there are approximately 864,800 lawyer jobs in the United States.
Factors Affecting Demand
Legal services remain necessary for individuals, businesses, and governments. People will continue needing help with contracts, disputes, regulations, and transactions.
However, some routine legal work may be automated or outsourced to lower-cost providers. Document review and basic contract drafting are increasingly handled by technology or legal process outsourcing.
Price competition is pushing some law firms to reconsider how they staff cases, potentially using
more paralegals and technology to reduce the need for junior associate hours.
Many job openings will come from lawyers retiring or leaving the profession rather than net growth. About 31,500 openings are projected annually when accounting for replacements.
Conclusion
Lawyer salaries range dramatically—from under $73,000 to over $239,000 annually—depending on location, employer type, and experience. The median of $151,160 provides a reasonable midpoint, but individual outcomes vary based on career choices and market conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do lawyers make six figures?
Many lawyers earn six-figure salaries—the median is $151,160. However, the bottom 25% earn under $99,760, so not all lawyers reach six figures. Geographic location and employer type heavily influence whether a lawyer crosses that threshold.
What type of lawyer makes the most money?
Patent attorneys, intellectual property lawyers, and corporate lawyers handling major transactions typically rank among the highest earners. However, industry and employer often matter more than specialty—a family lawyer at a successful boutique firm might out-earn a corporate lawyer at a struggling small firm.
How much do lawyers make per hour?
Based on the median annual salary, lawyers earn approximately $72.67 per hour. However, many lawyers work well over 40 hours per week, which effectively reduces their hourly rate. Large firm associates earning $200,000+ might actually make less per hour than their salary suggests if they're working 70-hour weeks.
How long does it take to become a lawyer?
Seven years of full-time study after high school: four years for a bachelor's degree and three years of law school. After graduation, you must pass the bar exam, which requires several months of additional study. Some lawyers also complete judicial clerkships before entering practice.
Is becoming a lawyer worth it financially?
Lawyers earn well above the national median income, with a median salary triple that of typical workers. However, the educational investment is substantial, often involving $150,000+ in debt. Whether it's worth it depends on the type of law you practice, where you work, and your personal financial situation and career goals.
