What Is The Median Salary Of A Lawyer?
Lawyers are among the highest paid professionals in the United States. The median salary for a lawyer is $120,910 a year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This means that half of all lawyers earn more than this amount, and half earn less. As with any profession, the salary range for lawyers varies widely based on factors such as experience, specialty, location, and employer.
Average Salary of a Lawyer
The average salary of a lawyer in the United States is $130,490 a year, according to the BLS. This figure is higher than the median salary because it includes salaries from the highest-paid lawyers. As with the median salary, the average salary for lawyers can vary greatly, depending on the factors mentioned above. The highest-paid 10 percent of lawyers earn more than $208,000 a year, while the lowest-paid 10 percent of lawyers earn less than $55,870 a year.
Salary by Specialty
Lawyers specialize in different areas of the law, and their salaries can vary significantly depending on their area of expertise. For example, the median salary for a corporate lawyer is $144,230 a year, while the median salary for a family law attorney is $120,910 a year. Other high-paying legal specialties include intellectual property law ($142,860 a year), health care law ($135,260 a year), and labor and employment law ($133,250 a year).
Salary by Location
The salary of a lawyer can also vary depending on where they practice. Lawyers in California, for example, earn an average salary of $139,310 a year, while lawyers in Texas earn an average salary of $115,400 a year. Lawyers in other states, such as New York, Florida, and Illinois, also earn higher salaries than the national average. The cost of living in these states is also generally higher than in other parts of the country.
Salary by Firm Size
The size of the law firm can also affect a lawyer’s salary. Lawyers who work for large law firms tend to earn more than those who work for small or mid-size firms. Lawyers who work for large firms can expect to earn salaries in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, while lawyers who work for smaller firms may earn salaries closer to the national median. Additionally, lawyers who work in solo practices may earn significantly less than those working in larger firms.
Salary by Experience
Experience is also a major factor in determining lawyer salaries. Lawyers who have been practicing for several years tend to earn more than those who are just starting out. Additionally, lawyers who have extensive experience in a particular area of law may also earn more than those who have general legal knowledge. This is why many lawyers choose to specialize in a certain area of law.
Factors That Influence Lawyer Salaries
The salary of a lawyer can vary widely depending on a variety of factors, including the lawyer’s specialty, location, firm size, and experience. Additionally, the cost of living in the area where the lawyer practices can also have an effect on their salary. It is important for lawyers to research the salaries in their area before they begin looking for work.
Conclusion
The median salary for a lawyer in the United States is $120,910 a year, according to the BLS. However, salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as specialty, location, experience, and employer. It is important for lawyers to research salaries in their area before they begin looking for work. Additionally, lawyers should consider their own experience and skill level when determining their salary.