The legal profession often conjures images of courtroom dramas and lucrative salaries. But how much do lawyers actually earn? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average annual salary for a lawyer in the US is $135,740. However, this figure can vary dramatically depending on several factors, including location, experience, and area of specialization. This article delves into lawyer salaries across different states, providing a comprehensive overview of earning potential in the legal field.
Lawyer Salary: Significant State Variations
While the national average provides a benchmark, it’s crucial to understand that lawyer salaries fluctuate significantly across states. The difference between the highest and lowest paying states can be staggering. California boasts the highest average lawyer salary at $201,530, while lawyers in Wyoming earn an average of $88,570 – a difference of over $110,000. The District of Columbia, although not a state, outpaces even California with an average annual salary of $226,510.
Top and Bottom Earning States for Lawyers
To illustrate these variations further, let’s examine the top five highest and lowest paying states for lawyers:
Highest Paying States:
- California: $201,530
- Massachusetts: $196,230
- New York: $188,900
- Delaware: $176,904
- Connecticut: $174,520
Lowest Paying States:
- Wyoming: $88,570
- Idaho: $96,810
- Montana: $98,170
- Kentucky: $99,840
- Mississippi: $101,240
Average Annual Lawyer Salary by State (2022)
Salary Growth Trends in the Legal Profession
Analyzing salary growth over time provides further insights into the legal job market. Some states have experienced significant increases in average lawyer salaries over the past decade. Rhode Island leads the pack with a remarkable 57.86% increase, followed by Massachusetts at 46.03%.
Average Annual Salary Trend for Top 10 States (2013-2022)
Detailed Lawyer Salary Data by State
The table below presents a comprehensive overview of average lawyer salaries by state from 2013 to 2022, including 5-year and 10-year change percentages. This detailed breakdown allows for a more nuanced understanding of salary trends across different regions.
| Rank | State | 2022 Avg. Salary | 2021 Avg. Salary | 2020 Avg. Salary | 2019 Avg. Salary | 2018 Avg. Salary | 2017 Avg. Salary | 2016 Avg. Salary | 2015 Avg. Salary | 2014 Avg. Salary | 2013 Avg. Salary | 5-Year Change | 10-Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | $201,530 | $176,610 | $179,470 | $173,970 | $171,550 | $168,200 | $162,010 | $163,020 | $158,200 | $155,750 | 19.82% | 29.39% |
| … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … | … |
Conclusion: Understanding Lawyer Earnings
Lawyer salaries in the US demonstrate considerable variability depending on geographical location and other influencing factors. Aspiring lawyers and those considering a career change should carefully research specific state salary data and growth trends to gain a realistic understanding of potential earnings. While the national average offers a general overview, focusing on individual state data provides a more accurate picture of the legal salary landscape. For a deeper dive into lawyer compensation, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
