How much do lawyers make in the USA?

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It takes hard work, dedication, and effort to become a successful lawyer. Legal professionals play a vital role in different sectors. Several legal departments and law firms are looking for lawyers. The top-tier candidates are competing with each other to get lawyer jobs in the USA.

Some legal agencies engage attorneys with 2 to 3-year experience. They train them and prepare them for several responsibilities. As a potential legal professional, you can find several practice areas ranging from commercial laws to real estate laws. However, before becoming an attorney, you can learn something about the earning potential. How much money does a lawyer make in the United States? At Lawrina.com, you can find other information about a career in the legal industry.

How much are lawyers paid on average?

A career in the legal field can attract you for several reasons. It may be because the career is fulfilling and is perfect for those who are efficient communicators. The legal field is also intended for those who can pay attention to every detail. Most importantly, you have an opportunity to earn a six-figure salary.

However, the average salary of a general attorney may be different from the salary of professionals in special fields. Still, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average lawyer salary is about $122,960. The lowest 10% of the attorneys’ salaries can be below $59,670. On the contrary, the highest 10% of attorneys’ salaries can go beyond $208,000. Experience is another factor making a difference in the salary. 

From PayScale, a survey site, we have presented some information about the average salary and the number of years of experience.

1-year- $62,000

1-4 years- $72,000

5-9 years- $96,000

1.  years- $110,000

20 years – $127,000

Entry-level lawyers and freshers who have recently graduated from Law College can secure an attractive salary. Moreover, they will get overtime pay and bonuses. Thus, it is not easy to calculate how much you will earn as an attorney in the USA.

Which type of US lawyer earns the highest amount?

The type of legal practice can make a difference in the annual salary of the attorney. Moreover, the attorney may work in the public and private sectors, and it will affect his earnings. 

As per the BLS, attorneys working the Federal Executive Branch in the public sector earn about $146,560 on average. However, lawyers working for state governments may earn about $97,440 on average.

Check the list of industries that pay a high amount to attorneys-

• Subscription Programming- Around $216,860.
• Computer Equipment Manufacturing industry- About $221,000.
• Video and Motion Picture- Roughly $218,360.
• Navigational and Electromedical Instruments Manufacturing field- $208,460.

Salary of an attorney based on locations

Your location in the United States is one of the relevant factors causing variations in the salary. For instance, the cost of living is higher in the bigger cities, and thus, the wages will be higher. According to the (ABA) Journal, the average salary of lawyers in Silicon Valley is $207,950, whereas the salary in Washington DC is $179,980.

Based on where you get your job in the USA, it will make a difference in your earnings. We have listed some states where lawyers earn the highest amount. 

• California – $171,550
• Massachusetts – $165,610
• New York – $167,110
• Illinois – $152, 980
• Connecticut – $153,640

The states that a low amount to attorneys are-

• Louisiana – $105,490
• West Virginia – $98,630
• New Mexico – $105,910
• Wyoming – $105,600
• Idaho – $99,360
• South Carolina – $105,320

Differences in salary due to discrepancies in gender

The ABA Journal has published important data about the attorneys’ bonuses, wages, and profit percentages. It has been revealed that female attorneys earn 36% less compared to male attorneys. The annual difference in the salary can be $79,000. It is not something related to law professions.

How much do lawyers make based on their chosen fields?

Legal professionals choose their specialized positions. We have listed the most commonly chosen careers.

• Law clerks

Law clerks work with judges to make legal decisions. Their major task is to research different legal issues for relevant cases. They earn about $16.61 per hour, and the best-performing law graduates get prestigious jobs as law clerks.

• Paralegals

Paralegals get their jobs in law offices, as they have some administrative duties. They work on documents for legal cases and do research before the court trials. They also collect the witnesses’ statements and evidence to back up the case. The average annual salary of paralegals is about $51,024 per year.

• Tax lawyers

The tax attorneys earn about $101,000 on average. From SMBs to big corporations, several businesses need tax attorneys. The major role of these attorneys is to deal with the tax audit and solve the IRS problems. 

• Real estate attorneys

These legal professionals earn $72,730 annually. They work on the conflicts related to property deals and property leasing. 

• Immigration attorney

Immigration laws may be of the international standard, and they focus on different legal issues of immigrants. The attorneys in this field have the potential to earn $65,061.

• Personal injury lawyers

The contingency fees of personal injury lawyers are a part of the clients’ winnings. Although there is a big difference in salaries, they can earn $78,020.

• Family lawyers

The average annual earnings of these attorneys are $69,480. These legal professionals deal with issues, including domestic abuse, divorce, child custody, 

• Medical malpractice lawyers

Several attorneys have chosen this field in their careers. Misdiagnosis, wrong surgeries, improper medical care can cause patients to file a case. These attorneys play a role in settling the case.

You have now understood that the legal field lets you earn a high amount. However, you must have degrees and qualifications to earn higher salaries. You can join a law school for an undergraduate degree. Moreover, you have to pass the LSAT test, and your score can make a difference in the admission committee’s decision. You may also achieve the Juris Doctorate Degree in your graduate school. The dedicated legal professionals focus on continuing education courses to strengthen their knowledge. Learn about the path of becoming a qualified legal professional in the USA.

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