If you are searching for lawyer salary in the USA, the numbers are quite strong but they can be very different depending on the state, experience, type of law and employer. In May 2025, the median lawyer salary in the United States was $159,670 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That works out to around $13,306 per month or about $76.76 per hour when the annual figure is converted to an hourly rate. Some lawyers earn much less when they are starting, while highly experienced lawyers, partners, federal lawyers and lawyers working in high-paying markets can earn well above $200,000 a year. Lawyer salary by state also shows a big difference, with New York, California, Massachusetts, Washington, Virginia and several other states offering higher pay than many other parts of the country. This guide explains the average lawyer salary, lawyer salary per hour, monthly and yearly pay, starting salary, salary by state, experience, employer and other important factors that can change how much a lawyer makes in the USA.
📑 Table of Contents
Lawyer Salary in the USA
Lawyer is one of the better-paid professional careers in the United States, but the salary is not same for every lawyer. A lawyer working for a small local law firm can have a very different income from a lawyer working for a large corporate law firm or the federal government. Location also matters a lot. Lawyers in major legal markets such as New York and California can earn considerably more than lawyers working in lower-paying states.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for lawyers was $159,670 in May 2025. The median means half of lawyers earned more than this amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $78,360, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $351,600. So, the salary range in this career is very wide.
The national mean annual wage was higher than the median, at about $185,840. This difference happens because high salaries at the upper end can push the average upward. For someone researching a realistic lawyer salary, the median number is usually a better starting point than only looking at the average.
- Median lawyer salary: $159,670 per year
- Approximate monthly salary: $13,306 before taxes
- Median hourly wage: $76.76
- Mean annual wage: $185,840
- Lowest 10%: Less than $78,360 per year
- Highest 10%: More than $351,600 per year
These are national wage estimates, so they should not be treated as a guaranteed salary for a new lawyer. A person's actual pay can depend on education, bar admission, years of practice, legal specialty, firm size, location, industry and whether the lawyer is employed or self-employed.
Lawyer Salary by State
Lawyer salary by state can look very different across the United States. A lawyer in New York or California may earn much more than a lawyer in a lower-paying state. But salary alone does not tell the complete story because housing, taxes, local demand and the cost of living can also be very different.
The following table uses May 2025 BLS OEWS state-level median annual wage estimates for lawyers. The table is intended to give readers a simple state-by-state comparison of lawyer salary in the USA.
| State Name | Salary Amount |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $131,970 |
| Alaska | $149,940 |
| Arizona | $134,260 |
| Arkansas | $98,880 |
| California | $195,080 |
| Colorado | $168,520 |
| Connecticut | $163,600 |
| Delaware | $173,510 |
| Florida | $133,180 |
| Georgia | $134,830 |
| Hawaii | $124,990 |
| Idaho | $103,400 |
| Illinois | $160,800 |
| Indiana | $126,860 |
| Iowa | $123,550 |
| Kansas | $106,650 |
| Kentucky | $101,550 |
| Louisiana | $104,100 |
| Maine | $113,120 |
| Maryland | $139,110 |
| Massachusetts | $176,680 |
| Michigan | $130,520 |
| Minnesota | $155,140 |
| Mississippi | $91,690 |
| Missouri | $133,450 |
| Montana | $103,720 |
| Nebraska | $109,170 |
| Nevada | $150,510 |
| New Hampshire | $120,810 |
| New Jersey | $161,430 |
| New Mexico | $119,680 |
| New York | $207,860 |
| North Carolina | $127,710 |
| North Dakota | $106,880 |
| Ohio | $131,020 |
| Oklahoma | $103,060 |
| Oregon | $138,210 |
| Pennsylvania | $157,180 |
| Rhode Island | $138,960 |
| South Carolina | $120,310 |
| South Dakota | $102,040 |
| Tennessee | $136,180 |
| Texas | $154,200 |
| Utah | $132,830 |
| Vermont | $127,310 |
| Virginia | $167,210 |
| Washington | $154,130 |
| West Virginia | $102,420 |
| Wisconsin | $126,760 |
| Wyoming | $100,130 |
Salary figures are May 2025 BLS OEWS state-level estimates. Actual lawyer pay can be higher or lower depending on experience, specialty, employer and local legal market.
Which State Pays Lawyers the Most?
When looking at lawyer salary by state, New York is one of the highest-paying states in the country. The May 2025 median wage for lawyers in New York was about $207,860 per year. California was also very high, with a median of about $195,080. Massachusetts, Delaware, Colorado, Virginia and Connecticut also appear among the stronger-paying states.
However, a high lawyer salary does not automatically mean a lawyer will have more money left after expenses. New York and California, for example, also have expensive housing and other living costs in many major cities. This is why people comparing lawyer jobs should look at salary together with location and career opportunities.
- New York has one of the highest state median lawyer salaries.
- California is another major high-paying legal market.
- Massachusetts and Delaware also report strong lawyer wages.
- Large metropolitan legal markets often have higher salaries.
- Cost of living should be considered before choosing a state only because of salary.
How Much Does a Lawyer Make a Year?
The answer to how much a lawyer makes a year depends on where the lawyer works and what type of legal work they do. At the national level, the median lawyer salary was $159,670 in May 2025. This is a useful benchmark for the profession, but it is not a starting salary and it does not mean every lawyer will earn this amount.
A new lawyer may start below the national median, especially when working for a smaller firm or entering a lower-paying legal market. With more experience, stronger client relationships and a legal specialty, earnings can increase. Lawyers who move into senior positions, partnerships or high-paying corporate roles can have salaries far above the national median.
Lawyer Salary Per Hour
The national median lawyer salary works out to about $76.76 per hour. This is an annual-to-hourly comparison based on the BLS wage data and should not be confused with the hourly amount a law firm charges its clients. Lawyers can bill clients at rates that are much higher than their own salary because client billing also covers office costs, staff, insurance, technology, benefits and firm profit.
Hourly earnings also change from state to state. For example, lawyers in New York and California have much higher median hourly wages than lawyers in states such as Mississippi or Arkansas. Experience and specialty can make another big difference inside the same state.
Lawyer Salary Per Month
Using the national median annual salary of $159,670, a lawyer's gross monthly income would be around $13,306 per month before federal taxes, state taxes, health insurance, retirement contributions and other deductions. This is only a simple monthly conversion and actual paychecks can look very different.
Lawyers working as partners, self-employed attorneys or business owners may also have income that does not follow a simple monthly salary. Some can receive bonuses, profit distributions or other compensation in addition to their regular pay.
What Affects Lawyer Salary in the USA?
There is not one single reason why one lawyer earns $90,000 while another lawyer can earn $300,000 or more. Legal careers have many different paths and the pay can change quickly as a person gains experience or moves into a better market.
- Location: Major legal markets generally offer more high-paying opportunities.
- Experience: Lawyers with several years of successful practice often have stronger earning potential.
- Legal specialty: Corporate, intellectual property, tax, securities and some litigation roles can have high compensation.
- Employer: Large firms, corporations and federal employers can pay differently from small local firms.
- Firm size: Large law firms may offer higher base salaries but can also have demanding workloads.
- Education and credentials: Law school quality, academic record and professional qualifications can affect early career opportunities.
- Client base: Lawyers who develop a strong client base can have much higher earning potential.
- Business skills: Senior lawyers who can bring clients and manage business relationships may move into higher-paying positions.
Lawyer Starting Salary in the USA
Lawyer starting salary is usually lower than the national median lawyer salary because most new lawyers are still building their experience and professional reputation. A new attorney may start with a smaller law firm, government office, nonprofit organization or as an associate at a larger firm. The starting pay can be very different between these employers.
There is no single official BLS number called the “starting lawyer salary.” The BLS reports wage distributions for lawyers as a whole rather than giving one fixed salary for first-year lawyers. Because of this, people should be careful with websites that give one exact starting salary and present it as if every new lawyer earns the same amount.
For a new lawyer, the first job can be more important than only the starting salary. A position that gives strong courtroom experience, legal research experience, client contact or a path toward a specialty can help increase future earning potential.
- Small law firms may offer lower starting salaries than large firms.
- Large corporate law firms can have much higher starting compensation.
- Government legal jobs may offer stable pay and benefits.
- Location can make a large difference in starting pay.
- Specialized legal skills can improve future earning potential.
Entry Level Lawyer Salary
An entry level lawyer is normally someone who has recently completed law school, passed the required bar examination and is beginning professional legal work. Entry level lawyer salary can vary widely because the legal profession includes many different employers and practice areas.
A new lawyer working in a major legal market may receive a very different offer than another new lawyer working in a small town. The size of the firm is also important. Large firms often have higher salaries, but they can also expect long working hours and a heavy workload.
New lawyers should also look beyond base salary when comparing jobs. Health insurance, retirement contributions, bonuses, paid time off, student loan assistance and other benefits can make the total compensation package quite different from the advertised salary.
Lawyer Salary Based on Experience
Experience is one of the biggest factors that can change a lawyer's earning potential. A lawyer who has only recently entered the profession usually does not have the same client relationships, legal knowledge or business network as someone who has practiced for many years.
However, salary does not automatically increase every year. Some lawyers remain in similar roles for many years, while others move to larger firms, corporations, government positions or partnership roles. A lawyer who develops a valuable specialty or a strong client base may see a much bigger increase in income.
Lawyer Salary After 1 Year
After the first year, a lawyer is still considered relatively early in the career. At this stage, the main goal for many attorneys is developing practical skills. Salary can still be well below the national median, especially outside large legal markets.
Lawyer Salary After 5 Years
After around five years, many lawyers have developed a clearer specialty and are able to handle more complex cases or transactions. Some move into senior associate positions, while others move to corporate legal departments or start their own practice.
This stage can be important for salary growth because employers are not only paying for a law degree anymore. They are also paying for practical experience, judgment, client management and the ability to handle legal matters with less supervision.
Lawyer Salary After 10 Years
Lawyers with around ten years of experience can have very different incomes depending on their career path. Some become partners, senior corporate counsel or government legal leaders. Others continue private practice or build their own law firm.
At this stage, business development can become almost as important as legal knowledge for some private-practice lawyers. An attorney who can bring clients to a firm may have significantly higher earning potential than someone doing similar legal work without a strong client base.
Average Attorney Salary in the USA
The words lawyer and attorney are often used in the same way in everyday American English. In general, an attorney is a lawyer who is authorized to practice law, usually after meeting the licensing requirements of a state. For salary research, BLS reports the occupation as “lawyers.”
The May 2025 BLS data shows a national median annual lawyer wage of $159,670 and a mean annual wage of $185,840. The median is often more useful when someone wants to understand what a typical lawyer earns because very high salaries can push the average upward.
At the national level, the median hourly wage was $76.76. But an attorney's actual hourly compensation can be much different from the hourly rate charged to clients by a law firm.
Corporate Lawyer Salary
Corporate lawyers work with businesses on legal matters such as contracts, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, employment issues, compliance and business transactions. Corporate law can be a high-paying area, particularly at large law firms and major companies.
Corporate lawyer salary is not separately reported as one standard BLS occupation, so there is no single official national median salary just for corporate lawyers. Their pay can fall within the broader lawyer wage data and can vary substantially based on firm size, industry, location and experience.
- Large corporate law firms may offer high base salaries.
- Major companies may provide salary plus bonuses and other benefits.
- Corporate attorneys in large financial or technology markets can have strong earning potential.
- Senior in-house lawyers may move into general counsel or executive positions.
- Business and negotiation skills can become very important at senior levels.
Criminal Lawyer Salary
Criminal lawyers represent people or organizations involved in criminal cases. Their work can include preparing cases, negotiating with prosecutors, appearing in court and representing clients during trials or other legal proceedings.
Criminal lawyer salary can be very different depending on whether the attorney works for a private law firm, government office or operates a private practice. Public defenders and prosecutors are generally employed by government organizations and have structured compensation systems.
Private criminal defense lawyers may have more variation in income. An established attorney with a strong reputation and a large client base may earn much more than a new lawyer entering criminal defense.
Family Lawyer Salary
Family lawyers handle legal matters involving divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, property disputes and other family-related issues. The work can involve negotiations, court hearings and a large amount of client communication.
Family lawyer salary depends heavily on location, experience and whether the attorney works for a private firm, nonprofit organization or operates an independent practice. Lawyers working in larger cities may have access to higher-paying clients, but operating costs can also be higher.
Family law can also provide opportunities for lawyers who build a strong local reputation. In private practice, repeat referrals and recommendations from previous clients can become an important source of new business.
Personal Injury Lawyer Salary
Personal injury lawyers represent clients who have been injured because of accidents, negligence or other situations where another party may be legally responsible. Their work can include negotiating settlements, preparing lawsuits and representing clients in court.
Personal injury lawyer salary is especially difficult to describe with one fixed number because some attorneys are compensated through arrangements that depend on the outcome of a case. A successful private practice can generate substantial income, while a new attorney working for another firm may have a more traditional salary.
The size and type of cases, location, reputation and number of clients can all affect earning potential. This is one reason why salary websites can sometimes show very different numbers for personal injury lawyers.
Government Lawyer Salary
Government lawyers work for federal, state or local government agencies. They can work as prosecutors, public defenders, agency attorneys, legal advisors and in many other roles. Government lawyer jobs can be attractive for people who want stable employment, benefits and a structured career path.
According to BLS May 2025 data, lawyers working for the federal government had a median annual wage of $178,380. Lawyers working for state government had a median wage of $115,330, while local government lawyers had a median wage of $131,390. These figures exclude self-employed lawyers and owners or partners of unincorporated businesses.
- Federal government: $178,380 median annual wage
- Local government: $131,390 median annual wage
- State government: $115,330 median annual wage
Government lawyer salaries can also depend on the agency, job level, location and years of service. Federal positions may use structured pay systems, while state and local positions can follow their own salary schedules.
Law Firm Lawyer Salary
Law firms are one of the biggest employers of lawyers, but there is a huge difference between a small local firm and a large national or international law firm. The size of the firm can influence salary, bonuses, workload and promotion opportunities.
In May 2025, lawyers working in legal services had a median annual wage of $157,870, according to BLS. This industry includes law firms and other legal service businesses.
Large law firms may pay much higher salaries to competitive candidates, especially in major legal markets. But these jobs can also require long hours, demanding deadlines and a high level of performance.
Federal Lawyer Salary
Federal lawyer salary is generally strong compared with many other government legal positions. BLS reported a median annual wage of $178,380 for lawyers working in the federal government in May 2025.
Federal lawyers can work in many different departments and agencies. Their responsibilities can include litigation, regulatory work, legal research, policy advice, contracts and enforcement. The exact salary depends on the position, agency, location and level of the job.
For someone looking for a government lawyer career, federal employment can offer a combination of salary, benefits and long-term career stability. It can also provide experience that is valuable for future legal positions.
Lawyer Salary by Legal Specialty
Not all lawyers perform the same type of work. Some spend most of their time in court, while others rarely enter a courtroom and focus on contracts, regulations, transactions or legal advice. Because of this, lawyer salary can vary by specialty.
- Corporate law: Business transactions, contracts and company legal matters.
- Criminal law: Criminal defense and prosecution work.
- Family law: Divorce, custody, adoption and other family matters.
- Personal injury: Injury claims and accident-related legal cases.
- Employment law: Workplace disputes, contracts and employment regulations.
- Tax law: Tax planning, disputes and business tax matters.
- Intellectual property: Patents, trademarks, copyrights and other intellectual property matters.
- Real estate law: Property transactions, development and real estate disputes.
- Immigration law: Immigration applications, cases and legal representation.
- Estate planning: Wills, trusts, estates and related legal planning.
Some specialties have stronger earning potential in certain markets, but there is no rule saying one specialty always pays the most. Demand, location, employer and individual performance all matter.
Lawyer Salary by Employer
The employer can have a major effect on lawyer salary. Two lawyers with the same number of years of experience can earn very different amounts if one works for a small private practice and the other works for a large corporation or federal agency.
BLS data provides a useful comparison of several major industries and government employers. In May 2025, the median annual wage for lawyers was $178,380 in the federal government and $157,870 in legal services. State and local government had lower median wages, but these jobs may come with different benefits and work arrangements.
- Large law firms
- Small and medium law firms
- Corporate legal departments
- Federal government agencies
- State government agencies
- Local government
- Nonprofit organizations
- Self-employed private practice
Self-employed lawyers are especially difficult to compare using normal salary data because business revenue is not the same thing as personal income. BLS wage data does not cover self-employed workers or owners and partners of unincorporated businesses.
How to Become a Lawyer in the USA
Becoming a lawyer in the United States takes several years of education and professional preparation. A person normally needs to complete an undergraduate degree, attend law school and earn a Juris Doctor degree. After law school, the person generally needs to pass the bar examination and meet the other requirements of the state where they want to practice.
The exact licensing process can be different from one state to another. This is important because a law degree by itself does not automatically allow someone to practice law in every state. Lawyers need to understand the licensing rules of the state where they plan to work.
- Complete an undergraduate degree.
- Attend an accredited law school and earn a law degree.
- Complete the required professional and character requirements.
- Pass the required bar examination.
- Meet state-specific licensing requirements.
- Maintain the license and complete continuing legal education where required.
Does Law School Affect Lawyer Salary?
Law school can have an effect on early career opportunities, but it does not guarantee a high lawyer salary. Graduates from highly competitive schools may have access to more recruiting opportunities at large firms, corporations and government agencies. At the same time, lawyers from many different schools build successful careers.
Academic performance, internships, legal experience, networking and the type of legal work a person chooses can become very important after graduation. A lawyer who develops useful skills and a good professional network can improve their career opportunities over time.
The cost of law school is also something students should think about. A high future salary can look attractive, but student loan payments and the cost of education can make the first years of a legal career financially difficult for some people.
Lawyer Salary Growth Over Time
Lawyer salary can increase as a person becomes more experienced, but the growth is not exactly same for everyone. Some attorneys receive regular raises, while others increase their income by changing employers or moving into a specialized legal field.
A common career path at a large law firm may start with an associate position. After several years, an attorney may become a senior associate and eventually have the opportunity to become a partner. In-house lawyers can move from associate counsel to senior counsel and potentially to general counsel or another executive position.
- Early career: Focus is usually on learning practical legal work.
- Mid-career: Lawyers often take on more complex cases and clients.
- Senior level: Leadership, business development and specialization become more important.
- Partner or executive level: Compensation can include bonuses, profit sharing or other incentives.
Lawyer Bonus and Total Compensation
Salary is not always the full amount a lawyer receives from an employer. Some lawyers can receive annual bonuses, performance incentives, signing bonuses or other forms of compensation. This is especially common in larger law firms and some corporate legal departments.
For this reason, two lawyers with the same base salary may not have the same total yearly compensation. Benefits can also make a difference, including health insurance, retirement contributions, paid leave and other employer-provided benefits.
When comparing lawyer jobs, it is better to look at the complete compensation package instead of only asking for the base salary.
Highest Paid Lawyers in the USA
The highest paid lawyers in the United States can earn several hundred thousand dollars per year, and some senior lawyers can earn considerably more through bonuses, partnership distributions or business ownership. However, these very high incomes represent the upper end of the profession and should not be treated as the normal lawyer salary.
BLS data shows that the highest 10 percent of lawyers earned more than $351,600 per year in May 2025. This gives an idea of how high earnings can go for lawyers at the upper end of the wage distribution.
High-paying legal careers are often found in major corporate markets and specialized areas of law. Senior attorneys working with large companies, complex transactions or high-value litigation may have strong earning opportunities.
Can a Lawyer Make $200,000 a Year?
Yes, a lawyer can make $200,000 a year in the USA. In fact, some lawyers earn well above this amount. But reaching $200,000 is not automatic and usually depends on factors such as location, experience, employer and legal specialty.
Lawyers in major legal markets and lawyers working for large firms or corporations may have a better chance of reaching this income level. Senior government attorneys and successful private-practice lawyers can also reach high compensation.
A new lawyer should not assume that a law degree means an immediate $200,000 salary. Early career earnings can be much lower, and the path to a high salary usually takes time and professional development.
Can a Lawyer Make $300,000 a Year?
Yes. A lawyer can make $300,000 or more per year, particularly at senior levels or in high-paying legal markets. The BLS reports that the highest 10 percent of lawyers earned more than $351,600 annually in May 2025.
However, earning $300,000 is far above the national median. It is more realistic to view this level as an upper-end salary rather than an ordinary lawyer income.
Large law firm partners, senior corporate attorneys, highly successful private-practice lawyers and some specialized attorneys can have compensation at this level. Income can also change substantially from year to year for lawyers whose compensation includes bonuses or business profits.
Self-Employed Lawyer Salary
Self-employed lawyers operate their own legal practice or work independently. Their income can be much harder to predict than the salary of an employee because revenue depends on clients, cases, billing rates, expenses and the overall performance of the business.
A successful private practice can generate a high income, but a new solo lawyer may have a difficult first period while building a client base. Office rent, employees, professional insurance, software, marketing and other business costs must also be paid before the remaining business income becomes personal income.
- Client demand can strongly affect income.
- Billing rates can vary by location and specialty.
- Business expenses reduce the money available as personal income.
- Strong referrals can help grow a private practice.
- Income may not be the same every month.
Because of these differences, self-employed lawyer income should not be directly compared with the employee salary figures reported by BLS.
Lawyer Salary vs Attorney Salary
Many people search for “attorney salary” instead of “lawyer salary,” but in the United States the terms are commonly used interchangeably. Both refer to legal professionals, although the exact use of the terms can vary in different contexts.
For salary research, the BLS occupation is listed as Lawyers. Therefore, the national wage figures used in this article are appropriate for people searching for average attorney salary in the USA as well as lawyer salary.
Lawyer Salary Compared With Other Legal Careers
Lawyers are not the only professionals working in the legal industry. Paralegals, legal assistants, judges, mediators and other legal workers have different education requirements and salary levels.
A lawyer normally requires substantially more education and licensing than a paralegal. This longer path can lead to higher earning potential, but it also means greater education costs and more years of preparation.
- Lawyer — Requires a law degree and professional licensing.
- Paralegal — Supports lawyers with legal research, documents and case preparation.
- Legal assistant — Handles administrative and legal support tasks.
- Judge or magistrate — Usually requires substantial legal experience and a judicial appointment or election, depending on the position.
When comparing careers, salary should not be the only factor. Education time, debt, working hours, stress, job responsibilities and long-term career opportunities are also important.
Lawyer Job Outlook in the USA
The future job market is another important part of the lawyer career decision. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035. BLS also projects about 28,700 openings for lawyers each year over that period, on average.
Some of these openings will come from new employment, while many will result from lawyers leaving the occupation or retiring. Legal services will continue to be needed by individuals, businesses and government organizations.
Technology is also changing legal work. Lawyers increasingly use digital research systems, document management tools, artificial intelligence and other technology. These tools can make some tasks faster, but lawyers still need professional judgment, legal knowledge and the ability to advise clients.
Is Being a Lawyer a Good Career in the USA?
For many people, being a lawyer can be a good career because it offers strong earning potential, professional opportunities and many different areas of specialization. It is also a career where people can work in private firms, companies, government agencies, nonprofits or their own practice.
But the career is not easy for everyone. Law school can be expensive, the licensing process takes time and some legal jobs involve long working hours and high pressure. Courtroom work can also be stressful, especially when dealing with serious disputes or criminal cases.
Someone thinking about becoming a lawyer should look at the complete career, not just the salary number. The best legal career is usually one that matches the person's skills, interests, financial situation and preferred working style.
Important Factors Before Choosing a Lawyer Career
A high lawyer salary can be attractive, but there are several practical things to understand before choosing this profession. The career can provide strong financial rewards, but reaching the higher salary levels normally takes education, licensing and years of professional work.
- Law school can require a major financial investment.
- Passing the bar exam is an important part of becoming licensed.
- Work hours can be long in some legal careers.
- High-paying law firms may have very demanding workloads.
- Location can strongly affect salary and job opportunities.
- Specialization can improve career opportunities.
- Networking and client relationships can become important later in the career.
- Government and private-sector jobs can offer very different compensation packages.
Final Thoughts on Lawyer Salary in the USA
Lawyer salary in the USA is among the stronger professional salaries, but there is a very wide range inside the occupation. The national median annual wage was $159,670 in May 2025, while the highest-paid 10 percent earned more than $351,600. Salary can change significantly based on state, legal specialty, experience, employer and career level.
New lawyers should not expect the national median to be their starting salary. Building legal experience, choosing a strong practice area, developing professional relationships and moving into higher-level positions can improve earning potential over time. Lawyers working for large firms, corporations, federal agencies or successful private practices may reach much higher compensation.
For anyone researching how much lawyers make, the most useful approach is to look at salary together with location, experience, type of employer and cost of living. This gives a more realistic picture than using one average number for every lawyer in America.