Lawyers

Median salary, education path, job outlook, and related careers — based on U.S. labor data.

What a Lawyers does

You advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court or negotiations, and prepare legal documents to protect their rights and interests. This professional role requires strong analytical and communication skills across various practice areas.

Education & path

The typical entry point is a doctoral degree. About 8+ years of higher education.

Estimated cost of that path: ~$110,000. Estimated payback: ~3 years. Estimates only — actual cost varies widely by school and financial aid; payback assumes ~20% of income applied.

Related careers

• Paralegals and Legal Assistants — $62,890/yr
• Title Examiners, Abstractors, and Searchers — $58,650/yr
• Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates — $153,990/yr
• Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers — $117,860/yr
• Judicial Law Clerks — $64,920/yr