Lawyers Salary in the United States
Median pay, percentile range, and top US metros — official BLS data.
The median salary for Lawyers in the United States is $159,670 per year — about $77 per hour, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Half of all workers in this occupation earn between $102,990 and $221,370 a year.
Salary range
Top US metros for Lawyers
| Metro | Local salary |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $301,320 |
| Birmingham, AL | $170,230 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | $208,880 |
| Peoria, IL | $161,150 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $212,500 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $195,190 |
| Midland, TX | $163,090 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $194,410 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $180,610 |
| Flagstaff, AZ | $154,330 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do Lawyers make in the US?
The median salary is $159,670 per year (about $77 per hour), according to BLS data. The middle 50% of workers earn between $102,990 and $221,370 a year.
How much do Lawyers make per hour?
About $77 per hour, based on the median annual salary of $159,670 for full-time work (2,080 hours per year).
What education do you need to work as Lawyers?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Do these salary figures include bonuses or overtime?
No. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics reflect base wages only — they exclude overtime pay, bonuses, and most benefits.
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