Lawyers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$151,160
~$73/hr · ~$12,597/mo
US Jobs
865K
As fast as average
AI & Automation Risk
8/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 8/10
Lawyers perform high-level knowledge work that is almost entirely digital, involving document drafting, legal research, and complex data analysis—all areas where LLMs excel. While courtroom advocacy and high-stakes interpersonal negotiation provide a protective barrier, the vast majority of billable hours are spent on tasks that AI can now significantly accelerate or automate, leading to major structural changes in the profession.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Midland, MIBEST VALUE | $209,430 | Below avg (90.6) | $231,108 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $215,090 | Above avg (117.6) | $182,976 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $203,450 | Above avg (112.6) | $180,612 |
| Vallejo, CA | $196,980 | Above avg (109.4) | $180,122 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $205,900 | Above avg (114.7) | $179,435 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $194,740 | Above avg (110.4) | $176,406 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $191,880 | Above avg (109.5) | $175,164 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | $180,940 | Above avg (105.8) | $171,073 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | $192,800 | Above avg (112.8) | $170,961 |
| Midland, TX | $161,200 | Below avg (95.4) | $169,003 |
| Birmingham, AL | $152,240 | Below avg (91.8) | $165,902 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $166,090 | Average (102.5) | $162,061 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $168,150 | Above avg (107.0) | $157,133 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | $173,160 | Above avg (110.3) | $157,057 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $171,120 | Above avg (109.1) | $156,860 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Doctoral or professional degree
10-Year Growth
+4% (As fast as average)
Hourly Rate
~$73/hr
Monthly Income
~$12,597/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)