What Is A Labor Lawyer Salary?
Labor lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in labor law, which is the body of law that governs the relationship between employers and their employees. Labor lawyers work to ensure that the rights of employees are respected, and that employers comply with employment laws. Labor lawyers are responsible for a wide variety of tasks, including representing employers in labor disputes, drafting contracts, and representing employees in wage and benefit disputes. Given the important role they play in the labor force, labor lawyers are highly sought after and well-compensated for their services.
Average Labor Lawyer Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for lawyers in May 2018 was $120,910. Labor lawyers tend to earn more than the median wage for all lawyers, depending on their experience and the type of labor law they practice. The BLS does not collect specific data on labor lawyers, but some sources estimate that the average salary for a labor lawyer is between $90,000 and $150,000 per year.
Factors That Affect Labor Lawyer Salary
The salary of a labor lawyer is influenced by several factors, such as experience, the type of labor law they practice, the size and scope of the firm, and the geographical location of the firm. For example, labor lawyers in metropolitan areas tend to earn higher wages than those in rural areas. Additionally, labor lawyers who specialize in a certain area of law, such as employment discrimination, may earn higher wages than general labor lawyers.
Salary Range for Labor Lawyers
Labor lawyer salaries can vary significantly, depending on a number of factors. Entry-level labor lawyers typically earn salaries between $50,000 and $85,000, while experienced labor lawyers can earn upwards of $200,000. Of course, the type of labor law practiced by the lawyer and the size and scope of the firm influence the salary range as well. Lawyers who specialize in a specific area of labor law, such as employment discrimination or wrongful termination, may earn more than those who practice general labor law.
Job Outlook for Labor Lawyers
The job outlook for labor lawyers is excellent. According to the BLS, the employment of lawyers is projected to grow 7% from 2018 to 2028, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by an increase in the number of businesses, as well as an increase in legal disputes. As the labor force continues to grow, the demand for labor lawyers is also expected to increase.
How to Become a Labor Lawyer
Becoming a labor lawyer requires a significant amount of education and training. To become a lawyer, an individual must first obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. After completing an undergraduate degree, a prospective lawyer must attend law school, where they will earn a law degree. Once a lawyer has earned their degree, they must pass the bar exam in the state in which they plan to practice.
Conclusion
Labor lawyers play an important role in the labor force, advocating for the rights of employees and ensuring that employers comply with employment laws. Labor lawyers are highly sought after and well-compensated for their services, with salaries ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 depending on experience and the type of labor law they practice. Becoming a labor lawyer requires a significant amount of education and training, and the job outlook for labor lawyers is expected to be excellent over the next decade.