How much do you get paid being a lawyer?

In 2002, the median annual earnings of all lawyers was $90,290. The middle half of the occupation earned between $61,060 and $136,810. The lowest paid 10 percent earned less than $44,490; at least 10 percent earned more than $145,600. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of lawyers in 2002 are given in the following tabulation: * Management of companies and enterprises $131,970 * Federal government $98,790 * Legal services $93,970 * Local government $69,710 * State government $67,910 Note that a salary comes with a position in a corporation. Many attorney's that work for law firms work on a percentage basis, and many solo practitioners work on a contingency basis. Which would mean they likely get a 'draw' or an amount every month that is credited against their percentage. Then firms will adjust on a quarterly or annual basis for bonuses and other aspects of the employment agreement. And a solo practitioner could make several hundred thousand of dollars one year and almost nothing the next.