Lawyer Salary in 2026
Source: BLS OES May 2024 · Updated April 2026
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024), the median annual salary for a Lawyer is $151,160 per year. The BLS projects 4.1% employment growth for this occupation over the 2024–2034 decade.
How Much Do Lawyers Make?
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $151,160 |
| 10-Year Job Growth | 4.1% |
| Total Employment | 747,750 |
| Typical Education | Doctoral or professional degree |
| SOC Code | 23-1011 |
Which Skills Increase Lawyer Pay?
Lawyers with these high-demand tools and technologies typically command higher salaries.
Microsoft Office softwareAdobe AcrobatGoogle AnalyticsMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft Word
Full skills breakdown →
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the average salary for a Lawyer?
- The median annual salary for a Lawyer is $151,160 per year, based on the most recent national wage survey data.
- Is Lawyer a growing career?
- Employment for Lawyer roles is projected to grow 4.1% over the 2024–2034 decade. Total employment is currently 747,750 workers nationally.
- What skills increase Lawyer pay?
- Lawyers who demonstrate skills like Microsoft Office software, Adobe Acrobat, Google Analytics, Microsoft Access typically command higher salaries. Certifications and advanced tools expertise can further boost compensation.
Salary and employment figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES May 2024) and Employment Projections 2024–2034. Actual compensation varies by location, experience, and employer.