Lawyer Salary in USA 2025
Law school ROI, practice area comparison, BigLaw vs small firm pay
Median Annual Salary
How Much Do Lawyers Earn in 2025?
Lawyers are licensed legal professionals who advise clients on legal matters, represent them in legal proceedings, and draft legal documents. They work across every industry and life situation—from corporate mergers to criminal defense to estate planning.
2025 lawyer salaries show an extreme bimodal distribution: median is $135,740, but the range spans from $64,740 (25th percentile) to $239,200+ (75th percentile). Unlike most professions with a bell curve, lawyer salaries cluster at two peaks.
The dramatic pay gap reflects different career tracks: BigLaw associates start at $215,000+, while public defenders and small firm lawyers may earn $50,000–$70,000. Practice area, firm size, and location create vastly different career trajectories and earning potential. Many lawyers reach $100K+ annually, but many don't. For broader context, see the average salary in the US.
National Median and Salary Distribution
Lawyer salary distribution is unusual—bimodal rather than normal:
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 25th percentile | $64,740 |
| Median (50th) | $135,740 |
| Mean (average) | $148,030 |
| 75th percentile | $239,200+ |
The Bimodal Distribution
Unlike most professions, lawyer salaries don't follow a normal bell curve. Instead, there are two clusters: Large cluster at $50,000–$80,000 (small firms, public interest, government), and another cluster at $190,000+ (BigLaw, major corporate). Relatively few lawyers earn in the middle range ($100,000–$150,000).
What This Means for Career Planning
The median ($135,740) doesn't represent a typical outcome—it falls between the two peaks. When evaluating law school, consider which cluster you're likely to land in based on school ranking, grades, and career goals.
Law School ROI Analysis
Law school represents a major investment. Understanding ROI requires analyzing costs against realistic salary outcomes.
Law School Costs
Total cost: $150,000–$300,000 including tuition, fees, living expenses, and opportunity cost
Average debt: $150,000–$200,000 for most graduates
Opportunity cost: 3 years of foregone earnings ($150,000–$250,000 value)
Paralegal to Lawyer Comparison
| Percentile | Paralegal Salary | Lawyer Salary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25th | $39,710 | $64,740 | +$25,030 |
| Median (50th) | $61,010 | $135,740 | +$74,730 |
| 75th | $98,990 | $239,200+ | +$140,210+ |
| Average | $67,510 | $148,030 | +$81,520 |
Break-Even Calculation
$200,000 investment at median salary increase: $74,730 annual gain = ~2.7 years break-even
$300,000 investment (including opportunity cost): 4+ years break-even
Important caveat: This assumes median outcome. Many lawyers earn less and face much longer payback periods.
ROI by Career Path
| Career Path | Starting | 10-Year Earnings | Law School Cost | ROI Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BigLaw | $215,000+ | $2M–$3M+ | $250,000 | Excellent |
| Corporate (mid-size) | $100K–$140K | $1.2M–$1.8M | $250,000 | Good |
| Small firm | $50K–$80K | $600K–$1M | $250,000 | Questionable |
| Public defender | $50K–$70K | $550K–$800K | $250,000 | Negative (unless PSLF) |
Salary by Practice Area
Practice area is a major determinant of lawyer compensation.
Highest-Paying Practice Areas
| Practice Area | Typical Salary Range | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| BigLaw (Top 100 firms) | $215,000–$400,000+ (assoc.) | Prestige, billable hours, exit opportunities |
| Mergers & Acquisitions | $150,000–$400,000+ | Deal volume, firm prestige |
| Securities/Finance | $150,000–$350,000 | Transaction complexity, firm size |
| Intellectual Property/Patent | $130,000–$250,000 | Technical background required |
| Corporate (in-house) | $120,000–$300,000+ | Company size, industry, seniority |
Mid-Range Practice Areas
| Practice Area | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Tax law | $90,000–$160,000 |
| Healthcare law | $90,000–$180,000 |
| Real estate law | $80,000–$150,000 |
| Employment law | $80,000–$140,000 |
Lower-Paying Practice Areas
| Practice Area | Typical Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Government attorney | $60,000–$130,000 |
| Family law (small firm) | $60,000–$100,000 |
| Criminal defense (private) | $55,000–$120,000 |
| Public defender | $50,000–$75,000 |
| Legal aid/nonprofit | $45,000–$70,000 |
BigLaw vs. Small Firm vs. Government
Firm type creates dramatically different career experiences and compensation.
| Career Track | Starting | Mid-Career | Work-Life | Long-Term Potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BigLaw | $215,000 | $300K–$400K+ | Poor (60–80 hrs) | Excellent ($500K–$2M partner) |
| Mid-size firm | $80K–$140K | $120K–$200K | Moderate | Good ($200K–$500K) |
| Small firm | $50K–$80K | $80K–$150K | Variable | Moderate ($100K–$300K) |
| Government | $55K–$80K | $90K–$130K | Excellent | Moderate + pension |
BigLaw (Large Firms 100+ Lawyers)
Starting: $215,000 standardized at top firms (Cravath scale)
Pros: Highest pay, prestige, excellent exit opportunities to in-house or other firms
Cons: Brutal hours (60–80+ weekly), high pressure, most associates leave within 5–7 years
Mid-Size Firms (20–100 Lawyers)
Starting: $80,000–$140,000
Pros: Better work-life balance than BigLaw, still respectable pay
Cons: Less prestige, fewer resources, more variable quality
Small Firms (2–20 Lawyers)
Starting: $50,000–$80,000
Pros: More responsibility early, closer mentorship, varied work
Cons: Lower pay, less job security, fewer resources
Government Attorney
Starting: $55,000–$80,000 (GS pay scale)
Pros: Excellent work-life balance, Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility, pension, job security
Cons: Lower salary, bureaucracy, slower advancement
What Lawyers Do: Role and Specializations
Understanding the work helps contextualize compensation and career fit.
Core Responsibilities
Lawyers: conduct legal research and analysis, draft contracts, briefs, and legal documents, advise clients on rights, obligations, and strategies, negotiate settlements and deals, represent clients in court (litigation), ensure regulatory compliance, and manage legal risk for organizations.
Work Environments
Law firms: Private practice ranging from solo to thousands of attorneys
Corporate legal departments: In-house counsel for companies
Government: Prosecutors, public defenders, agency attorneys
Nonprofits: Legal aid organizations, advocacy groups
Solo practice: Independent practitioners
Requirements
Becoming a lawyer requires: bachelor's degree (4 years), JD from accredited law school (3 years), passing state bar exam, character and fitness evaluation, and continuing legal education (CLE) requirements.
Job Outlook and Career Progression
Legal careers offer varied paths with different trade-offs.
Employment Outlook
Moderate growth projected, with: competitive job market (more JDs than traditional law jobs), increasing automation of routine legal work affecting entry-level positions, and strong demand for specialists in technology, healthcare, regulatory compliance.
Career Progression by Track
BigLaw: Associate → Senior associate → Counsel → Partner (or exit to in-house/government)
Small/mid firm: Associate → Partner (faster track, 5–8 years)
Government: Staff attorney → Senior attorney → Supervisory roles → Judge (elected or appointed)
Attrition Patterns
High attrition in BigLaw—most associates leave within 5–7 years for in-house roles, smaller firms, government, or other careers. Government and small firms offer more stability but lower pay.
How to Maximize Lawyer Income
Several strategies can boost legal career earnings.
Target BigLaw
Attend a top law school (T14), achieve high grades (top 10–20%), secure summer associate position. BigLaw starting salary ($215,000) provides fastest path to high earnings.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Corporate, IP/patent (especially with technical background), securities, and M&A pay premiums. Develop deep expertise in lucrative practice areas.
Make Partner
Partnership multiplies income potential—equity partners at major firms earn $500,000–$2M+. Requires 8–12 years typically, with business development skills increasingly important.
Move In-House
Senior corporate counsel roles offer $200,000–$500,000 with better hours than BigLaw. General Counsel positions at large companies pay $500,000+.
Develop Business
Lawyers who generate clients (rainmakers) earn the most. Building a book of business creates leverage for partnership and compensation negotiations.
Consider Location
Major legal markets (NYC, San Francisco, DC, LA, Chicago) pay significantly more. NYC BigLaw pays same as other markets but cost of living differs substantially.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average lawyer salary in 2025?
The median lawyer salary is $135,740, with average at $148,030. However, the bimodal distribution means many lawyers earn either $50,000–$80,000 (small firms, public interest) or $190,000+ (BigLaw, corporate). The "average" doesn't represent a typical outcome.
Is law school worth the cost?
It depends heavily on outcomes. BigLaw track ($215,000+ starting) provides excellent ROI. Small firm or public interest ($50,000–$80,000) creates challenging debt-to-income ratios unless using Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Consider realistic career path based on law school ranking and goals.
How much do BigLaw lawyers make?
BigLaw associates at major firms start at $215,000 (standardized Cravath scale). With bonuses, first-year total compensation reaches $230,000–$250,000. Senior associates earn $300,000–$400,000. Equity partners earn $500,000–$2M+ at elite firms.
Which legal practice areas pay the most?
Highest-paying: M&A ($150,000–$400,000+), securities/finance ($150,000–$350,000), intellectual property/patent ($130,000–$250,000), corporate law ($120,000–$300,000+). BigLaw compensation applies across practice areas at major firms.
What is the starting salary for a lawyer?
Starting salary varies dramatically: BigLaw $215,000, mid-size firm $80,000–$140,000, small firm $50,000–$80,000, public defender $50,000–$75,000. The bimodal distribution means no single "typical" starting salary exists.
Is being a lawyer a good career in 2025?
For the right person and path, yes. Benefits include: high earning potential (especially BigLaw/corporate), intellectually challenging work, prestigious profession, diverse career options, and transferable skills. Challenges include: high educational cost ($200,000+), competitive job market, demanding hours (especially BigLaw), high stress, and bimodal salary distribution creating financial risk.