How much do lawyers earn?

Answer 1

Answer

In May 2004, the median annual earnings of all lawyers were $94,930. The middle half of the occupation earned between $64,620 and $143,620. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of lawyers in May 2004 were as follows:
Management of companies and enterprises $126,250
Federal Government 108,090
Legal services 99,580
Local government 73,410
State government 70,280

Median salaries of lawyers 9 months after graduation from law school in 2004 varied by type of work, as indicated in table 1.

Table 1. Median salaries of lawyers 9 months after graduation, 2004
Type of work Salary

All graduates $55,000

Type of work

Private practice 80,000
Business/industry 60,000
Judicial clerkship and government 44,700
Academe 40,000

Source: National Association of Law Placement

Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size, and location of their employer. Lawyers who own their own practices usually earn less than those who are partners in law firms. Lawyers starting their own practice may need to work part time in other occupations to supplement their income until their practice is well established.

Most salaried lawyers are provided health and life insurance, and contributions are made to retirement plans on their behalf. Lawyers who practice independently are covered only if they arrange and pay for such benefits themselves.

Refer to: http://www.collegegrad.com/careers/Lawyers.shtml#ear

it pretty much depends on where you work, too...

Answer 2

Starts at 30,000 at 3 yr experience and goes up as far as 105000 as a partner in the firm.