How much does a lawyer make?
a year · about $77 an hour
A typical lawyer in the United States makes $159,670 a year, about $77 an hour, about 3.1× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
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.
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.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $78,360 and $351,600How do you become one?
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.
School needed: Graduate degree or long training
Good for people who like leading and selling and keeping things organized
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.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in New York ($207,860), lowest in Mississippi ($91,690).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
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Kids' questions
In Japan, a lawyer or legal worker averages $65,407. Lawyer salary in Japan
Data table and sources
| 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 |
Official definition: 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.
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