Legal
Lawyer / Attorney Salary
Advises and represents clients on legal matters and disputes.
Low
$68,000
Average
$132,000
High
$225,000
What this role does
- Advise clients on legal rights and options
- Draft contracts and legal documents
- Represent clients in negotiations or court
- Research case law and precedent
Education & path in
Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree plus passing the state bar exam
Experience level: Entry-level (associate) through partner
Where it pays best
States that typically pay above the national average for this role: New York, California, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Illinois. Actual pay depends heavily on metro area, employer size, and cost of living.
Job outlook
Average
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Figures are editorial estimates as of Jul 1, 2026, not official government statistics. For official data, see the Bureau of Labor Statistics.