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
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. |