Law Teachers, Postsecondary Salary Guide 2025: $128,500 Median, Top States & Career Outlook
The national median salary for law teachers, postsecondary is $128,500, with a mean of $144,770—about $62 per hour. The full range spans from $64,250 at the 10th percentile to $287,900 at the 90th. About 20,060 people hold this job nationwide.
How much Law Teachers, Postsecondary earn
The median annual wage for law teachers, postsecondary is $128,500, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The mean salary reaches $144,770, or roughly $62 per hour. Pay varies widely by experience and institution: entry-level teachers (10th percentile) earn around $64,250, while top earners (90th percentile) make up to $287,900.
- Median salary: $128,500
- Mean salary: $144,770 ($62/hr)
- 10th percentile: $64,250
- 90th percentile: $287,900
Pay by state
Where you teach law matters a lot for pay. The highest-paying state is Minnesota at $171,790, followed by Oregon ($167,010), South Carolina ($162,400), Iowa ($160,700), and New Hampshire ($157,800). On the lower end, Ohio averages $75,930, Mississippi $74,440, and Utah $68,270. The gap between top and bottom states exceeds $100,000.
How to become Law Teachers, Postsecondary
Becoming a law professor typically requires a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school, plus a strong academic record and often a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or other advanced degree. Most tenure-track positions also demand several years of practice or clerkship experience, plus a record of scholarly publications. The typical path: earn a J.D., pass the bar, gain legal experience (2–5 years), then apply for assistant professor roles. Some community colleges may hire with a J.D. and teaching experience, but research universities almost always require a J.D. and often additional credentials.
- Earn a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school
- Pass the bar exam and practice law for 2–5 years
- Consider an LL.M. or other advanced degree for competitive edge
- Publish law review articles or other scholarly work
- Apply for assistant professor positions; networking and recommendation letters help
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for law teachers, postsecondary will grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as the average for all occupations. This translates to roughly 2,200 openings per year—mostly from retirements and turnover. While overall growth is modest, competition for tenure-track jobs at top law schools remains intense, though community colleges and adjunct positions offer more entry points.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average salary for law teachers, postsecondary?
The mean annual salary is $144,770, and the median is $128,500. Pay ranges from about $64,250 at the 10th percentile to $287,900 at the 90th.
What education do I need to become a law professor?
A Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school is required. Many positions also prefer a Master of Laws (LL.M.) or other advanced degree, plus several years of legal practice or clerkship experience.
Is the job outlook good for law teachers?
Employment is projected to grow 2.2% from 2024 to 2034, about as fast as average. About 2,200 openings occur yearly, mostly from retirements and turnover. Competition for tenure-track jobs is strong.
Which states pay law teachers the most?
Minnesota ($171,790), Oregon ($167,010), South Carolina ($162,400), Iowa ($160,700), and New Hampshire ($157,800) are the highest-paying states.
How many law teachers are employed in the US?
There are about 20,060 law teachers, postsecondary employed nationally.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Law Teachers, Postsecondary data.