The average salary for an attorney can vary significantly depending on the type of law they practice, their level of experience, and the geographic location of their practice. Generally speaking, attorneys in the United States earn an average salary of $120,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Attorneys who specialize in corporate law typically earn the highest salaries, with an average salary of $182,000 per year. Attorneys who practice family law, criminal law, and real estate law, meanwhile, tend to earn lower salaries, with an average salary of $78,000, $77,000, and $75,000 per year, respectively.
Location also plays a major role in determining an attorney’s salary. Attorneys in the District of Columbia, for example, earn an average salary of $152,000 per year, while attorneys in California earn an average salary of $142,000. On the other hand, attorneys in Arkansas and West Virginia earn an average salary of $94,000 and $93,000 per year, respectively.
Experience is another key factor in determining an attorney’s salary. Attorneys with less than five years of experience typically earn an average salary of $72,000, while those with more than five years of experience earn an average salary of $134,000.
Overall, the average salary for an attorney can vary significantly depending on the type of law they practice, their level of experience, and the geographic location of their practice. By understanding the factors that affect an attorney’s salary, lawyers can better plan for their financial future.