Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Lawyers typically need a law degree and a state license, which usually requires passing a bar examination. PayThe median annual wage for lawyers was $159,670 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 28,700 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for lawyers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of lawyers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for lawyers was $159,670 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 28,700 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for lawyers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of lawyers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 28,700 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for lawyers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of lawyers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.
Work Environment
Lawyers work for a variety of organizations, usually in office settings. Some work for federal, local, or state governments. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Lawyer
Lawyers typically need a law degree and a state license, which usually requires passing a bar examination.
Pay
The median annual wage for lawyers was $159,670 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 28,700 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for lawyers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of lawyers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Lawyers work for a variety of organizations, usually in office settings. Some work for federal, local, or state governments. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Lawyer
Lawyers typically need a law degree and a state license, which usually requires passing a bar examination.
Pay
The median annual wage for lawyers was $159,670 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 28,700 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for lawyers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of lawyers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for lawyers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of lawyers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about lawyers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Take the Next Step
Find Education Programs
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.