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 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | $212,500 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $195,190 |
| Peoria, IL | $161,150 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $194,410 |
| El Centro, CA | $162,580 |
| Midland, TX | $163,090 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | $183,350 |
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 / Professional, 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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