Lawyers continue to be some of the best-paying careers in the United States in 2025. Their wages vary greatly based on where they are employed, what they specialize in, what kind of employer, and how experienced they are. The following is what lawyers typically make and how other benefits or bonuses can add up to their total compensation.
Median and average lawyer pay
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. News, the median annual salary for lawyers in 2023 was $145,760, and the average salary in 2023 was approximately $176,470. Median salary is the midpoint, but average gives a fuller picture that includes the higher earners.
The top 25% of lawyers made $217,360 or more.
The lower 25% made around $98,030 or less.
Monthly, this equates to a net average income for attorneys of about $13,648.
Compensation with bonuses and allowances
Attorney incomes often exceed the base. Some attorneys—especially those in large firms or specialized practice areas—receive
- Yearly performance and billable-hours bonuses
- Profit-sharing options in some firms
- Hiring bonuses for new staff
- Relocation incentives in regions with high demand
- Health, dental, and vision coverage
- Continuing legal education (CLE) allowances
- 401(k) matching or pension contributions
Subtracting these additions from overall compensation, however, a lawyer’s total wage package can rise by 10–30%, leaving annual pay well into the $200,000 range for most attorneys in high-paying positions.
Highest-paying states and cities
Where a lawyer practices also significantly impacts salary. In 2025, the highest-paying states where lawyers practice are:
- District of Columbia—$238,990
- California—$213,860
- Delaware—$212,360
- New York—$208,480
- Connecticut—$195,730
Highest-paying cities are
- San Jose, CA – $268,570
- Bridgeport, CT—$252,210
- Boulder, CO – $251,490
- San Francisco, CA – $235,940
- Washington, DC – $223,890
Industry-specific high salaries
Some industries pay law professionals some of the highest salaries:
- Nonscheduled Air Transportation—$310,250
- Computer & Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing —$276,160
- Office Administrative Services—$261,740
- Spectator Sports—$251,260
- Sound Recording Industries—$249,320
These figures are a lawyer’s value in professions where charting regulations and drafting contracts are crucial.
Lawyer career outlook
The legal career is projected to grow by 8% by 2032, with over 62,000 new positions created. While competition is still fierce, legal services are increasingly in demand and sought in healthcare, intellectual property law, and environmental law.
Other professional comparison
Lawyers fare highly among most other high-paying professions:
- Financial Managers—$174,820
- Actuaries
- Political Scientists—$132,020
- Paralegals—$66,460
Although demanding, a law career is still among the most profitable professions in the U.S.
In Brief: A lawyer in the U.S. in 2025 typically earns between $145,000 and $217,000, many of whom top those when bonuses and allowances are included. Many who live in most expensive cities, luxury-specialized industries, or senior law firm roles will earn total pay far above the national average.
