Lawyers Employment and Wages in 2022

In 2022, the Lawyers occupation accounted for over 707 thousand jobs in the United States, reflecting an increase of 3.8% from 2021. The annual mean wage in 2022 was $163,770, and the median wage was $135,740. Compared to the national average for all occupations, the wages for this occupation were higher by 164.6%.

Industry Sub-Groups

Among industry sectors, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services held the largest number of jobs for the Lawyers occupation, employing over 454 thousand people in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sector was $167,880, with a median wage of $133,260. There was an increase in wage variance to the national average compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from 2.2% to 2.5%, indicating industry sector wages outpaced national wage trends.

Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding state and local schools and hospitals and the U.S. Postal Service (OES Designation) accounted for a substantial employment share for this occupation, with 145 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage for this sub-group was $125,370, and the median wage was $118,330. In terms of wage variance to the national average, there was a decrease compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from -19.6% to -23.4%.

The Finance and Insurance sector also had considerable industry employment, with approximately 33 thousand people employed in 2022. The annual mean wage in this sub-group was $195,580 and the median wage was $176,260. The wage variance to the national average experienced an increase compared to 2021, with the variance shifting from 18% to 19.4%.

Highest Location Concentration

When we examine the top locations in terms of proportional employment within the Lawyers occupation, we find that Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV had the highest concentration of jobs (3.2 times the national occupational employment share). The location had an annual mean wage in 2022, at $211,850, and a median wage of $176,280. The location variance to the national average was 29.4%. Tallahassee, FL had the next highest concentration of jobs (2.3 times the national occupational employment share) and an annual mean wage of $97,620 and a median wage of $80,930. The industry variance to the national average was -40.4%. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL had 2.1 times the national occupational employment share and an annual mean wage of $144,960 and a median wage of $108,320. The industry variance to the national average was -11.5%.

Summary

In 2022, the Lawyers occupation demonstrated steady growth, with a 3.8% increase in employment, totaling over 707 thousand jobs in the United States. Notably, this profession commanded significantly higher wages, with an annual mean wage of $163,770 and a median wage of $135,740, surpassing the national average for all occupations by a substantial 164.6%. Within industry sectors, Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services held the largest share of lawyer jobs, employing over 454 thousand individuals in 2022, with wages slightly exceeding national trends. Federal, State, and Local Government employment also played a significant role, with 145 thousand employees, though with lower wages than the national average. The Finance and Insurance sector employed approximately 33 thousand lawyers, with wages considerably above the national average. When examining top employment locations like Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV, and Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL, they demonstrated high concentrations of lawyer jobs, with Washington, DC leading the way with notably higher wages, while Tallahassee, FL, despite concentration, reported lower wages compared to the national average.

For more detailed insights, visit our Lawyers Dashboard or consider purchasing Aimiax’s 2022 Lawyers Occupation Report.