How much do lawyers earn in the US in 2025?

The legal profession in the United States is often associated with prestige and lucrative pay checks, but how much do lawyers really earn in 2025? The answer depends on a variety of factors such as experience, specialisation, employer type and location.

Here’s an in-depth look at the latest data.

Average versus median salary

According to recent estimates from Indeed and ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for lawyers in the US ranges between $100,626 and $105,389. However, the median salary is significantly higher. US News & World Report states that as of 2023, the median salary for lawyers stood at $145,760. This means half of all lawyers earn less than this figure while the other half earns more.

The top 25 percent of lawyers make more than $217,000 annually, while those in the bottom 25 percent earn below $98,030.

What entry-level and senior lawyers earn

Pay varies widely based on experience and location. Entry-level lawyers in smaller markets often start with salaries between $70,000 and $98,000. In contrast, seasoned attorneys practicing in major metropolitan hubs such as New York, California, Illinois and Massachusetts typically earn between $150,000 and $230,000.

The difference reflects not just seniority but also the cost of living and demand in those regions.

Specialisation can make or break your paycheck

Not all lawyers earn the same, even at similar experience levels. Corporate lawyers and those involved in mergers and acquisitions usually command higher salaries, often ranging from $150,000 to $250,000. Criminal defence attorneys and personal injury lawyers usually earn between $85,000 and $200,000, though those with strong reputations and successful firms can go beyond this range. Intellectual property lawyers are also among the top earners, given the growing importance of technology and innovation law. On the other hand, public interest lawyers and nonprofit sector attorneys generally earn significantly less, often below $80,000 annually.

Government lawyers face salary caps

Lawyers working for federal agencies, including the Department of Justice, have capped pay scales. In 2025, the maximum allowed salary for government attorneys is $195,100, according to the US Department of Justice.

The rare million-dollar lawyers

At the very top of the profession, the rewards can be staggering. Equity partners at elite law firms routinely earn $1 million or more annually, and in rare instances, star partners at prestigious firms can make up to $10 million a year. These figures, however, represent the exception rather than the rule and require decades of experience, client networks and high-stakes litigation success.

The big picture for aspiring lawyers

When you consider all practice areas and locations, most US lawyers earn between $59,000 and $230,000 per year, with the sweet spot for many falling between $100,000 and $145,000. While the financial rewards are substantial, aspiring lawyers should weigh the cost of law school, which often exceeds $200,000, alongside the competitive job market and demanding hours.