What is the entry-level Lawyer salary?

Entry-level Lawyers typically start around $72,000 per year, rising toward $135,740 with experience.

What is the highest Lawyer salary?

Experienced Lawyers can earn around $215,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.

What education does a Lawyer need?

Most Lawyer roles require a Doctorate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 8% — faster than average.

Legal · US Salary

Lawyer Salary

Median $135,740/yr · about $65.26/hr

Entry-level

$72,000

Median (typical)

$135,740

Experienced

$215,000

Job growth

+8%

faster than average

Education

Doctorate

Field

Legal

How much does a Lawyer make?

The typical Lawyer in the United States earns a median salary of $135,740 per year — roughly $65.26 per hour. Pay ranges from about $72,000 for entry-level roles to $215,000 for experienced professionals.

Demand for Lawyers is projected to change by 8% over the next decade (faster than average). Most positions require a Doctorate degree. Actual pay varies with location, industry, and employer — use our take-home pay calculator to estimate your after-tax income by state.

Lawyer Salary — FAQ

How much does a Lawyer make?: The median Lawyer salary in the US is $135,740 per year, which is about $65.26 per hour (at 2,080 hours/year).
What is the entry-level Lawyer salary?: Entry-level Lawyers typically start around $72,000 per year, rising toward $135,740 with experience.
What is the highest Lawyer salary?: Experienced Lawyers can earn around $215,000 per year or more, depending on location, employer, and specialization.
What education does a Lawyer need?: Most Lawyer roles require a Doctorate degree. Job demand is projected to grow 8% — faster than average.

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See all salaries by job or our methodology.

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