Lawyers and Judicial Law Clerks earn $157,840 median salary in 2025
If you're considering a legal career, the pay is substantial — but the range is wide. The median annual salary for lawyers and judicial law clerks is $157,840, according to the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics data. That's about $76 per hour. The mean wage is $183,890. At the low end, the bottom 10% earn $76,350 or less; at the high end, the top 10% pull in over $350,010.
How much Lawyers and Judicial Law Clerks earn
The median annual wage for lawyers and judicial law clerks is $157,840, with a mean of $183,890. Hourly pay averages roughly $76. The typical salary range stretches from $76,350 at the 10th percentile to $350,010 at the 90th percentile. That means a new attorney in a small firm might start near $76k, while a partner at a major firm or a high-ranking clerk can earn more than $350k.
Pay by state
Where you practice matters — a lot. The highest-paying states for lawyers and judicial law clerks include California ($224,220 mean), New York ($206,000 mean), Massachusetts ($201,390 mean), and the District of Columbia ($225,160 mean). At the lower end, states like Mississippi ($98,970 mean) and West Virginia ($96,930 mean) offer mean wages below six figures. Relocating can boost your salary by 50% or more.
How to become a Lawyer or Judicial Law Clerk
The standard path starts with a bachelor's degree in any field, followed by a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school — typically three years of full-time study. After law school, you must pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice. Judicial law clerks usually need top law school credentials and often complete a federal or state clerkship for one to two years after graduation. Licensing includes character and fitness review. No shortcuts.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (any major, but pre-law, political science, or English common)
- Take the LSAT and apply to ABA-accredited law schools
- Complete a J.D. program (3 years full-time)
- Pass the bar exam and any additional state ethics exam
- For clerkships, apply during law school; strong grades and law review help
Job outlook
Employment for lawyers and judicial law clerks is projected to grow from 2024 to 2034, though the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not release a specific growth rate for this combined category. However, demand for legal services typically tracks with economic activity. Competition for jobs at top firms and clerkships will remain intense. About 767,800 workers held these positions as of the latest count.
Frequently asked questions
What is the starting salary for a lawyer?
The bottom 10% of lawyers earn $76,350 or less, so entry-level positions at smaller firms or public interest may start near that figure. Big law firms in major cities often start at $215,000.
How much do judicial law clerks make?
Judicial law clerks are included in the same BLS category as lawyers. Their salaries typically range from about $60,000 to $80,000 for state clerkships to $80,000–$100,000 for federal clerkships.
Which state pays lawyers the most?
Based on mean annual wages, the District of Columbia pays the most at $225,160, followed by California ($224,220) and New York ($206,000).
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 Lawyers and Judicial Law Clerks data.