Pay, demand and where to work, from BLS data with the year on every table.
low → high: location quotient
Click a state. States: Alabama · Alaska · Arizona · Arkansas · California · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · District of Columbia · Florida · Georgia · Hawaii · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Louisiana · Maine · Maryland · Massachusetts · Michigan · Minnesota · Mississippi · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · Nevada · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · New York · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma · Oregon · Pennsylvania · Rhode Island · South Carolina · South Dakota · Tennessee · Texas · Utah · Vermont · Virginia · Washington · West Virginia · Wisconsin · Wyoming.
By AtiveSite · Published 07/11/2026 · Updated 07/11/2026 · Every figure is linked to its source below.
Lawyers (SOC 23-1011) employed 754,500 people in May 2025. The median pay is $159,670 a year ($76.76 an hour); the lowest-paid 10% earn under $78,360 and the highest-paid 10% more than $351,600. BLS projects its employment to change by +4.7% between 2025 and 2035 (about 28,700 openings a year including replacements). The typical way in: Doctoral or professional degree.
Highest median pay: New York ($207,860), District of Columbia ($195,190), California ($195,080). Most jobs: California (95,770), New York (91,870), Texas (56,580).
| Measure ⇅ | Annual ⇅ | Hourly equivalent ⇅ |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry level) | $78,360 | $37.67 |
| 25th percentile | $102,990 | $49.51 |
| Median | $159,670 | $76.76 |
| Mean | $185,840 | $89.35 |
| 75th percentile | $221,370 | $106.43 |
| 90th percentile (experienced) | $351,600 | $169.04 |
Estimate for a wage earner: 2026 federal brackets and standard deduction (IRS), Social Security 6.2% up to $184,500, Medicare 1.45% (+0.9% above $200,000 single / $250,000 married), and a state rate you set. It ignores credits, pre-tax deductions, local taxes and benefits. Sources: IRS: tax year 2026 inflation adjustments · SSA wage base per Federal Register notice 2025-19763.
Hourly equivalents divide by 2,080 hours. Pay above $239,200 is shown as "≥ $239,200" (BLS top code).
| Measure ⇅ | Value ⇅ |
|---|---|
| Jobs 2025 | 863,700 |
| Jobs 2035 (projected) | 904,300 |
| Change in jobs | 40,600 |
| Percent change | +4.7% |
| Openings a year (growth + replacements) | 28,700 |
| Self-employed share | 11.3% |
| Typical entry education | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Work experience in a related occupation | None |
| Typical on-the-job training | None |
Licences and certifications are set by states and employers; the education shown is the usual entry requirement, not a legal one.
| State ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Median vs US ⇅ | Yearly rent as % of median pay ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6,730 | 0.66 | $131,970 | $62,310 | $249,090 | -17% | 10% |
| Alaska | 1,120 | 0.71 | $149,940 | $86,230 | $281,780 | -6% | 12% |
| Arizona | 11,640 | 0.74 | $134,260 | $85,990 | $268,170 | -16% | 15% |
| Arkansas | 3,430 | 0.54 | $98,880 | $49,900 | $220,660 | -38% | 12% |
| California | 95,770 | 1.08 | $195,080 | $97,950 | $369,180 | +22% | 13% |
| Colorado | 16,720 | 1.20 | $168,520 | $83,350 | $336,970 | +6% | 13% |
| Connecticut | 8,420 | 1.02 | $163,600 | $91,180 | $342,970 | +2% | 11% |
| Delaware | 2,920 | 1.24 | $173,510 | $101,200 | $354,910 | +9% | 11% |
| District of Columbia | 33,070 | 9.71 | $195,190 | $120,580 | $392,750 | +22% | 12% |
| Florida | 55,210 | 1.15 | $133,180 | $75,530 | $301,050 | -17% | 16% |
| Georgia | 23,930 | 1.01 | $134,830 | $58,750 | $317,820 | -16% | 13% |
| Hawaii | 2,270 | 0.75 | $124,990 | $73,890 | $179,010 | -22% | 19% |
| Idaho | 2,490 | 0.60 | $103,400 | $50,730 | $216,660 | -35% | 16% |
| Illinois | 33,590 | 1.14 | $160,800 | $82,160 | $330,200 | +1% | 10% |
| Indiana | 8,970 | 0.58 | $126,860 | $65,750 | $327,960 | -21% | 10% |
| Iowa | 3,550 | 0.47 | $123,550 | $63,790 | $268,460 | -23% | 10% |
| Kansas | 4,190 | 0.60 | $106,650 | $76,300 | $213,360 | -33% | 12% |
| Kentucky | 5,770 | 0.59 | $101,550 | $63,010 | $187,180 | -36% | 12% |
| Louisiana | 10,200 | 1.09 | $104,100 | $50,140 | $227,230 | -35% | 12% |
| Maine | 2,280 | 0.73 | $113,120 | $76,820 | $215,610 | -29% | 13% |
| Maryland | 13,810 | 1.03 | $139,110 | $81,730 | $269,020 | -13% | 15% |
| Massachusetts | 23,560 | 1.33 | $176,680 | $82,100 | $374,410 | +11% | 13% |
| Michigan | 16,620 | 0.78 | $130,520 | $77,180 | $238,370 | -18% | 11% |
| Minnesota | 12,380 | 0.86 | $155,140 | $79,820 | $341,170 | -3% | 10% |
| Mississippi | 3,100 | 0.55 | $91,690 | $47,670 | $176,750 | -43% | 13% |
| Missouri | 11,560 | 0.81 | $133,450 | $67,020 | $299,990 | -16% | 10% |
| Montana | 2,380 | 0.96 | $103,720 | $62,090 | $179,620 | -35% | 14% |
| Nebraska | 3,490 | 0.70 | $109,170 | $65,030 | $217,700 | -32% | 12% |
| Nevada | 6,490 | 0.86 | $150,510 | $96,010 | $414,290 | -6% | 14% |
| New Hampshire | 2,250 | 0.68 | $120,810 | $65,670 | $358,300 | -24% | 15% |
| New Jersey | 23,160 | 1.11 | $161,430 | $93,810 | $328,270 | +1% | 13% |
| New Mexico | 3,380 | 0.80 | $119,680 | $76,100 | $232,890 | -25% | 11% |
| New York | 91,870 | 1.95 | $207,860 | $85,200 | $391,420 | +30% | 9% |
| North Carolina | 17,000 | 0.71 | $127,710 | $61,610 | $323,720 | -20% | 13% |
| North Dakota | 1,050 | 0.50 | $106,880 | $70,500 | $194,840 | -33% | 11% |
| Ohio | 19,950 | 0.74 | $131,020 | $69,790 | $269,530 | -18% | 10% |
| Oklahoma | 6,980 | 0.84 | $103,060 | $57,950 | $207,340 | -35% | 12% |
| Oregon | 7,150 | 0.75 | $138,210 | $73,610 | $263,790 | -13% | 14% |
| Pennsylvania | 27,170 | 0.92 | $157,180 | $77,100 | $323,370 | -2% | 10% |
| Rhode Island | 1,840 | 0.76 | $138,960 | $80,710 | $268,270 | -13% | 12% |
| South Carolina | 7,890 | 0.71 | $120,310 | $63,140 | $301,140 | -25% | 13% |
| South Dakota | 1,360 | 0.61 | $102,040 | $76,920 | $234,690 | -36% | 12% |
| Tennessee | 9,010 | 0.57 | $136,180 | $76,510 | $324,880 | -15% | 11% |
| Texas | 56,580 | 0.83 | $154,200 | $79,340 | $349,490 | -3% | 11% |
| Utah | 7,020 | 0.83 | $132,830 | $59,990 | $347,090 | -17% | 14% |
| Vermont | 1,330 | 0.90 | $127,310 | $85,510 | $336,450 | -20% | 12% |
| Virginia | 18,580 | 0.93 | $167,210 | $79,330 | $320,220 | +5% | 12% |
| Washington | 12,770 | 0.74 | $154,130 | $94,260 | $298,210 | -3% | 14% |
| West Virginia | 2,440 | 0.72 | $102,420 | $64,950 | $206,370 | -36% | 10% |
| Wisconsin | 9,160 | 0.64 | $126,760 | $76,010 | $362,040 | -21% | 11% |
| Wyoming | 900 | 0.66 | $100,130 | $61,170 | $233,950 | -37% | 12% |
Location quotient above 1 means the occupation is more concentrated in the state than in the nation. "n/a" means BLS suppressed the figure. Rent uses the state median gross rent (ACS).
The 60 highest-paying metropolitan areas among those with at least 300 jobs in this occupation.
| Metropolitan area ⇅ | Jobs ⇅ | Median pay ⇅ | Entry (10th pct.) ⇅ | Top (90th pct.) ⇅ | Location quotient ⇅ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 6,040 | $301,320 | $129,350 | $421,000 | 1.10 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 18,470 | $212,500 | $98,280 | $375,580 | 1.60 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 94,610 | $208,880 | $94,070 | $391,620 | 2.05 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 46,840 | $195,190 | $106,520 | $382,890 | 3.08 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 41,580 | $194,410 | $93,980 | $375,440 | 1.37 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 1,220 | $185,520 | $82,480 | $284,690 | 0.78 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Newton, MA-NH | 20,080 | $183,350 | $84,280 | $379,350 | 1.53 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 590 | $181,560 | $96,860 | $294,230 | 0.59 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT | 2,100 | $180,610 | $103,760 | $402,750 | 1.07 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 7,620 | $178,540 | $80,540 | $284,610 | 1.45 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 8,020 | $178,220 | $104,140 | $336,590 | 1.07 |
| Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO | 11,860 | $177,380 | $90,640 | $337,050 | 1.52 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 490 | $174,880 | $94,110 | $239,200 | 0.35 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 700 | $170,970 | $73,920 | $289,030 | 0.71 |
| Philadelphia-Camden-Wilmington, PA-NJ-DE-MD | 19,040 | $170,660 | $84,840 | $344,160 | 1.35 |
| Birmingham, AL | 2,800 | $170,230 | $65,650 | $272,900 | 1.11 |
| Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX | 17,110 | $168,510 | $81,360 | $347,260 | 0.87 |
| Salinas, CA | 380 | $166,940 | $80,610 | $289,250 | 0.42 |
| New Haven, CT | 1,280 | $166,080 | $80,570 | $313,820 | 0.94 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | 28,320 | $165,660 | $87,070 | $331,140 | 1.29 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | 9,210 | $164,980 | $99,910 | $314,120 | 0.91 |
| Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | 350 | $164,790 | $59,990 | $315,190 | 0.73 |
| Modesto, CA | 370 | $164,010 | $93,120 | $300,040 | 0.39 |
| Reno, NV | 630 | $163,380 | $102,140 | $356,180 | 0.47 |
| Fresno, CA | 1,570 | $162,680 | $75,370 | $284,670 | 0.68 |
| Peoria, IL | 560 | $161,150 | $79,260 | $293,940 | 0.69 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 23,270 | $160,320 | $77,510 | $332,850 | 1.70 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | 10,160 | $159,620 | $85,810 | $352,210 | 1.07 |
| Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX | 16,810 | $157,980 | $80,210 | $363,120 | 1.05 |
| Waterbury-Shelton, CT | 450 | $157,380 | $91,060 | $329,270 | 0.58 |
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 3,880 | $157,200 | $93,560 | $299,840 | 1.33 |
| Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC | 5,380 | $157,180 | $61,830 | $371,170 | 0.82 |
| Salem, OR | 780 | $156,070 | $79,250 | $225,430 | 0.85 |
| Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA | 5,170 | $155,330 | $75,000 | $285,800 | 0.88 |
| Anchorage, AK | 780 | $153,590 | $89,910 | $336,190 | 0.91 |
| Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX | 7,540 | $153,330 | $83,990 | $361,090 | 1.20 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 610 | $150,900 | $77,490 | $245,020 | 0.37 |
| Las Vegas-Henderson-North Las Vegas, NV | 5,480 | $150,510 | $96,010 | $414,290 | 0.99 |
| Charlottesville, VA | 390 | $149,430 | $75,770 | $289,550 | 0.71 |
| Rochester, NY | 1,710 | $148,150 | $82,190 | $325,280 | 0.71 |
| Chattanooga, TN-GA | 740 | $147,640 | $65,000 | $355,460 | 0.56 |
| Richmond, VA | 3,780 | $144,910 | $77,210 | $342,110 | 1.18 |
| St. Louis, MO-IL | 6,100 | $142,690 | $67,600 | $306,650 | 0.94 |
| Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN | 3,990 | $142,540 | $81,890 | $346,830 | 0.75 |
| El Paso, TX | 780 | $140,550 | $80,970 | $217,920 | 0.48 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 2,470 | $138,760 | $93,480 | $265,810 | 2.12 |
| Kiryas Joel-Poughkeepsie-Newburgh, NY | 910 | $138,630 | $82,510 | $344,980 | 0.70 |
| Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA | 18,760 | $138,210 | $58,750 | $328,900 | 1.34 |
| Columbus, OH | 4,960 | $137,810 | $79,510 | $235,150 | 0.93 |
| San Antonio-New Braunfels, TX | 4,020 | $137,690 | $85,140 | $327,280 | 0.73 |
| Cedar Rapids, IA | 330 | $137,570 | $75,110 | $274,470 | 0.49 |
| Salt Lake City-Murray, UT | 4,830 | $136,990 | $54,720 | $362,450 | 1.21 |
| Orlando-Kissimmee-Sanford, FL | 5,890 | $136,970 | $78,770 | $265,810 | 0.86 |
| North Port-Bradenton-Sarasota, FL | 1,440 | $136,910 | $77,600 | $277,420 | 0.87 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | 8,820 | $135,670 | $87,170 | $291,750 | 0.77 |
| Detroit-Warren-Dearborn, MI | 10,110 | $134,980 | $78,730 | $246,420 | 1.09 |
| College Station-Bryan, TX | 340 | $134,800 | $88,490 | $331,580 | 0.52 |
| Cleveland, OH | 5,540 | $134,680 | $75,740 | $281,770 | 1.11 |
| Kansas City, MO-KS | 5,310 | $134,640 | $78,310 | $287,200 | 1.00 |
| Des Moines-West Des Moines, IA | 1,760 | $134,560 | $65,830 | $292,020 | 0.90 |
The median is $159,670 a year ($76.76 an hour); the lowest-paid tenth earn under $78,360 and the highest-paid tenth over $351,600 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
754,500 in May 2025, and BLS projects +4.7% growth to 2035.
The typical entry education is: Doctoral or professional degree (BLS).
New York, with a median of $207,860 (among states with published figures).