How much does a lawyer make?
Answer: A typical lawyer in the United States makes $159,670 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 755,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Lawyer pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $78,360 | $159,670 | $351,600 | about 755,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| New York | $207,860 | about 92,000 |
| District of Columbia | $195,190 | about 33,000 |
| California | $195,080 | about 96,000 |
| Massachusetts | $176,680 | about 24,000 |
| Delaware | $173,510 | about 3,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., lawyers’ pay can differ with experience and skills, location, employer type or firm size, and the area of law they practice. Some firms tie bonuses to hours billed for clients; a state license is required, but licensing alone does not set pay.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a lawyer do?
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
What's a typical day like?
A lawyer may spend the day reading laws and case records, talking with clients, and drafting contracts or court papers. On some days, they go to court to speak for a client or meet with a judge.
How to get this job
In the U.S., most students complete four years of college and three years of law school for a J.D. They usually start practicing in their mid-20s after passing their state’s bar exam and meeting its licensing rules.
Graduate degree or long training (preparation level 5 of 5)
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
An ABA survey of lawyers in 24 states found that over 75% had done pro bono work at some point in their careers—free or reduced-cost legal help.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Sources and data
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/legal/lawyers.htm
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.nalp.org/0625research
- news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/partners-associates-have-totally-dif
- www.americanbar.org/news/abanews/aba-news-archives/2025/01/aba-report-examines-p
- www.lawcrossing.com/employers/article/900056522/Navigating-the-20252026-U-S-Lega
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY