The Truth About Lawyers' Salaries

For many years, becoming a lawyer has been an attractive job because of the money. Lawyers earn far more than the average family income in most cases. There are some fields in law that do not pay as well as others, but salaries are still enough to live comfortably. During the first nine months after graduation, salaries are generally lower. In a recent report from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the wages of recent graduates were reviewed. The results showed that the overall average salary of all attorneys in all fields was $68,500. Of the sampled group, the highest wages were reported in private practice, of which the average salary was $108,500. With a significant gap to the next highest ranking, $69,100 was reported for attorneys who work for businesses. Surprisingly, government-paid recent graduates averaged lower at $50,000. Those serving an academic or judicial clerkship earned an average of $48,000.

As lawyers gain practical experience, they become more valuable to prospective employers and consumers. Having experience and knowledge is a much more powerful tool than just knowledge alone. Attorneys must know how to handle themselves and think quickly in court. They also become more proficient in creating and modifying documents or researching as they gain experience. Salaries are also higher for experienced attorneys. In the same projection report from the BLS, lawyers with experience had different earnings reports than the recent graduates. The overall average salary of experienced lawyers in all fields was $110,590, which is almost double the recent graduates' average. Of this group, the 50th percentile earned between $74,980 and $163,320. Lawyers who manage companies and enterprises earn the highest, with the average being reported at $145,770 annually. Close behind that field is the Federal Executive Branch, which is a distinguished job, paying $126,080 per year. Legal services ranked third with an annual average salary of $116,500. Lawyers employed by the local government, which is the county or city, were paid an average of $82,590 yearly. State government lawyers ranked fifth, averaging an annual salary of $78,540.

Attorneys who have a private solo practice earn less than partners in a partnership law firm. Not only are the salaries of lawyers attractive, but the benefit packages for lawyers employed by businesses, government or other attorneys are also generous. Retirement plans, health and life insurance are all enjoyed by these professionals. Most are given generous vacation time due to high stress levels that come with the job.