Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers earn $155,120 median salary
The median salary for Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers hit $155,120 in 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That breaks down to roughly $75 an hour for the mean wage of $180,510.
This occupation covers lawyers, judges, magistrates, and other legal professionals. The typical worker falls between $74,300 at the 10th percentile and $344,830 at the 90th. With 817,400 people employed, it's a large field — but entry is competitive.
How much Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers earn
The national median wage is $155,120 per year, meaning half earn more and half earn less. The average (mean) annual wage is $180,510, or about $75 per hour.
The bottom 10% earn $74,300 or less, while the top 10% take home $344,830 or more. This wide spread reflects differences by specialty (e.g., patent lawyers vs. public defenders), experience, and firm size.
Self-employed lawyers often see fluctuating incomes, but the BLS data covers all wage and salary workers in the occupation.
Pay by state
The BLS does not provide state-level median figures for this broad occupation group at this time. However, states with major legal hubs — like New York, California, and Washington, D.C. — tend to pay above the national median, while rural states often pay less. For specific state data, check the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics for 'Lawyers' separately.
How to become Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers
The path to becoming a lawyer is well-defined and takes about seven years of full-time study after high school.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (any major, but pre-law, political science, or criminal justice are common).
- Take the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
- Graduate from an American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited law school with a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.
- Pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice.
- For judges: Typically need to be a licensed lawyer with years of experience; then appointed or elected.
- For related workers (e.g., paralegals, law clerks): Pathways vary — associate degrees or certificates are common for paralegals, while law clerks are often law students or recent grads.
Job outlook
The BLS projects employment for Lawyers, Judges, and Related Workers will grow at a typical rate from 2024 to 2034, but a specific percentage is not available for this broad group. Demand for lawyers remains steady, driven by litigation, corporate legal needs, and regulatory complexity. However, budget constraints in government and competition for jobs at top firms can limit openings.
Frequently asked questions
How much do lawyers make right out of law school?
Entry-level salaries vary widely. Starting pay at large law firms can exceed $200,000, while public interest or government jobs may start around $50,000–$70,000. The BLS overall 10th percentile of $74,300 includes many early-career lawyers.
What's the difference between median and mean salary for lawyers?
The median ($155,120) is the midpoint — half earn more, half less. The mean ($180,510) is the average, pulled up by high earners. Because top lawyers make significantly more, the mean is higher than the median.
Is becoming a lawyer worth the debt?
Law school tuition can exceed $150,000. With a median salary of $155,120, many graduates can manage debt if they land a decent-paying job. But those in lower-paying sectors may struggle. Consider your target market and salary expectations before committing.
What qualifications do you need to become a judge?
Judges are typically licensed attorneys with several years of legal experience. Many are elected or appointed to the bench. No specific education beyond law school is required, but some states have training programs for new judges.
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, Judges, and Related Workers data.