| Quick Facts: Lawyers | |
|---|---|
| 2012 Median Pay | $113,530 per year $54.58 per hour |
| Entry-Level Education | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2012 | 759,800 |
| Job Outlook, 2012-22 | 10% (As fast as average) |
| Employment Change, 2012-22 | 74,800 |
What Lawyers Do
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes.
Work Environment
The majority of lawyers work in private and corporate legal offices. Some work for local, state, and federal governments. The majority work full time, and many work long hours.
How to Become a Lawyer
All lawyers must have a law degree and must also typically pass a state’s written bar examination.
Pay
The median annual wage for lawyers was $113,530 in May 2012.
Job Outlook
Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 10 percent from 2012 to 2022, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Competition for jobs should continue to be strong because more students graduate from law school each year than there are jobs available.