What Lawyers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Lawyers this way: "Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations"; "Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses"; "Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents"; "Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases"; "Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is doctoral or professional degree.
Job outlook for Lawyers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 863,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 904,300 in 2035, an increase of 40,600 jobs (+4.7%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 28,700 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 3.3% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. 11.3% of workers in this occupation are self-employed; the wage figures below cover wage and salary workers. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $159,670, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Lawyers earn the most
Across the 22 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $129,068 in Michigan to $200,114 in New York, a gap of $71,045 (1.55 times). 11 of those 22 states average above the BLS national median of $159,670 and 11 average at or below it.
New Jersey employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 117,760, which is 12.6% of the 934,930 counted across them. New York follows with 106,780.
Highest-paying states
New York ($200,114), New Jersey ($200,092) and California ($199,746) lead the ranking, while Michigan ($129,068) and Arizona ($130,770) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Lawyers: pay against the cost of living
We compare 28 labor markets, each represented by its most populous county. After federal, Social Security, Medicare and state taxes and the four basics (a one-bedroom rental, food, home energy and gasoline), the largest yearly margin is in Jefferson County, WV (Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV) at $117,283. The smallest margin is $70,935 in Hillsborough County, FL.
The median wage for this occupation covers all four basics in 28 of the 28 markets. A one-bedroom apartment takes between 9.2% and 23.3% of take-home pay, depending on the market.
Frequently asked questions about Lawyers
How much do Lawyers earn in the United States?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $159,670. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $129,068 to $200,114.
Which state pays Lawyers the most?
New York, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $200,114. New Jersey is next at $200,092.
Is Lawyers a growing occupation?
BLS projects employment to grow by 4.7% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 28,700 openings a year.
What education do Lawyers need?
The typical entry-level education is doctoral or professional degree, according to BLS.
Where can Lawyers afford to live best?
Among the markets covered, Jefferson County, WV leaves the largest yearly margin after taxes, rent, food, energy and gasoline: $117,283 on a median wage of $195,190.