Lawyers
Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Median pay: $159,670/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +4.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — about as fast as average.
About 31,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
• Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
• Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
• Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
• Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
• Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
• Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
• Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.
What's the median pay for Lawyers?
The median pay for Lawyers is $159,670 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Lawyers?
Employment for Lawyers is projected to change +4.1% from 2024 to 2034 - about as fast as average.
What education is typically required for Lawyers?
Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Lawyers?
About 31,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.