How much does a law clerk make?
a year · about $31 an hour
A typical law clerk in the United States makes $64,920 a year, about $31 an hour, about the same as a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read case papers, look up laws and past decisions, then write short memos to help a judge understand the issues. They may draft or check opinions, verify citations, and assist during courtroom proceedings.
Did you know? The first U.S. federal law clerk was hired in 1882 by Justice Horace Gray, who paid the assistant himself and called him his “secretary.”
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $46,180 and $113,140How do you become one?
In the U.S., finish college, prepare for the LSAT, and earn a JD (usually three years); strong grades help when applying to judges. Clerks usually start after law school, often in their 20s, and bar membership can affect federal pay.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like keeping things organized and leading and selling
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., a federal law clerk’s pay depends on legal work experience after law school, bar membership, and the local pay rate. The hiring judge assigns the pay grade and step, so experience and location can change earnings.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Massachusetts ($143,350), lowest in Pennsylvania ($50,590).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $46,180 | $64,920 | $113,140 | about 13,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | $143,350 | about 500 |
| New York | $133,320 | about 850 |
| Washington | $80,240 | about 580 |
| California | $79,030 | about 2,000 |
| New Jersey | $58,890 | about 530 |
Official definition: Assist judges in court or by conducting research or preparing legal documents. Excludes “Lawyers” (23-1011) and “Paralegals and Legal Assistants” (23-2011).
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/about/data-for-occupations-not-covered-in-detail.htm
- oscar.uscourts.gov/duties_of_federal_law_clerks
- oscar.uscourts.gov/qualifications_salary_benefits
- www.lsac.org/discover-law/types-law-programs/jd-degree-programs
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/23-1012.00
- www.fjc.gov/history/administration/court-officers-and-staff-law-clerks
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY