Lawyer Salary 2025: $159,670 Median, $77/Hour, and How to Become One
The median lawyer salary in the U.S. hit $159,670 in 2025, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. That translates to roughly $77 per hour, with the top 10% earning $351,600 or more. But the field is far from one-size-fits-all: pay varies dramatically by geography, specialty, and experience. About 754,500 lawyers were employed nationwide as of May 2023, and the profession is projected to add 31,500 openings each year through 2034.
How much Lawyers earn
The Bureau of Labor Statistics puts the national mean salary for lawyers at $185,840, but half of all lawyers earn below $159,670. The typical range for the middle 80% of lawyers runs from $78,360 at the 10th percentile to $351,600 at the 90th. Entry-level positions and public-interest roles usually land at the lower end, while Big Law partners and specialized corporate counsel occupy the top bracket.
Pay also varies by industry. Lawyers working in federal government earn a mean $166,890, while those in legal services average $199,870. Corporate law departments typically pay above the median, especially in finance and tech.
Pay by state
Geography is one of the biggest factors in lawyer pay. New York leads the nation with an average salary of $207,860, followed by the District of Columbia at $195,190 and California at $195,080. Massachusetts averages $176,680, and Delaware $173,510. These states tend to have large corporate law markets and high cost of living.
At the other end, Mississippi averages $91,690—less than half of New York's figure. Arkansas ($98,880) and Wyoming ($100,130) round out the bottom three. Even within these states, major cities like Jackson or Little Rock can offer higher salaries than the state average.
How to become Lawyer
The path to becoming a lawyer typically takes seven years of full-time education after high school: a four-year bachelor's degree, followed by a three-year Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited law school. There is no single required undergraduate major, but pre-law, political science, history, or business are common. Law school admission depends on undergraduate grades and the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) or GRE.
After earning a J.D., you must pass the bar exam in the state where you intend to practice. Most states also require a character and fitness review and a professional responsibility exam. New lawyers often start in law firms, government agencies, or public defender offices, gaining experience before moving to higher-paying roles.
- Earn a bachelor's degree (4 years).
- Take the LSAT or GRE and apply to law schools.
- Earn a Juris Doctor (3 years).
- Pass the state bar exam and character review.
- Secure an entry-level legal position; many start at firms or in government.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment for lawyers will grow 4.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 31,500 openings per year, mostly from retirements and turnover. Demand will be strongest for lawyers with expertise in healthcare, intellectual property, environmental law, and corporate compliance. Cost pressures and the rise of legal technology may slow growth in some fields, but the need for legal representation in an increasingly complex regulatory environment keeps the outlook positive.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of a lawyer in 2025?
The median lawyer salary is $159,670 per year, or about $77 per hour. The mean is $185,840. The lowest 10% earn below $78,360, while the highest 10% earn over $351,600.
How do I become a lawyer?
You need a bachelor's degree (4 years), a Juris Doctor from an accredited law school (3 years), and passage of the state bar exam. Many states also require a professional responsibility exam and background check.
Is the job market for lawyers good?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 4.1% from 2024 to 2034, faster than average, with about 31,500 openings each year. Specialized fields like healthcare and intellectual property offer the best prospects.
Which state pays lawyers the most?
New York pays the highest average salary at $207,860, followed by the District of Columbia ($195,190) and California ($195,080). Mississippi is lowest at $91,690.
How many lawyers are there in the U.S.?
As of May 2023, BLS reports 754,500 lawyers employed nationwide.
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 data.