Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Lawyers
SOC: 23-1011 O*NET: 23-1011.00
Median Salary
$151,160
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
31.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Job Zone 5
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
What does a Lawyers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$72,780
10th percentile
Early Career
$99,760
25th percentile
Median
$151,160
50th percentile
Experienced
$215,420
75th percentile
Top Earners
$0
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$72,780
25th
$99,760
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$151,160
Mean: $182,760
75th
$215,420
90th
$0
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans -$72,780 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $99,760 and $215,420
- •Salary spread is 76.5% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 747,750 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:864,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services62.9%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services62.9%
Legal Services59.6%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.1%
Annual Openings:31,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)864,800
Current
2034 (Projected)900,700
+4.1%
+35,900
Employment Change
+4.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Lawyers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
92,580 jobs$197,7901.06x
New York
91,440 jobs$177,2101.98x
Florida
59,010 jobs$127,8101.24x
Texas
54,680 jobs$133,5700.81x
District of Columbia
33,430 jobs$191,8809.73x
Illinois
33,430 jobs$157,3201.14x
Pennsylvania
26,340 jobs$127,9400.90x
New Jersey
23,360 jobs$158,4701.13x
Georgia
23,010 jobs$126,2400.98x
Massachusetts
22,020 jobs$179,0501.25x
Ohio
19,690 jobs$125,4500.73x
Virginia
18,420 jobs$157,9800.93x
North Carolina
17,380 jobs$124,8800.73x
Colorado
17,160 jobs$167,9701.22x
Maryland
16,420 jobs$143,4901.23x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Speaking
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Reading Comprehension
80%
#5
Writing
74%
#6
Complex Problem Solving
66%
#7
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
#8
Persuasion
54%
#9
Negotiation
46%
#10
Social Perceptiveness
40%
Skills Overview
Speaking
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.0
80%
Writing
intermediate3.7
74%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.3
66%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.0
60%
Persuasion
basic2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Speaking
advancedImportance100%
skills
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0
Persuasion
basicImportance54%
skills
2.7/5.0
Negotiation
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Social Perceptiveness
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products100%
5 shared skills
Labor Relations Specialists100%
5 shared skills
Advertising Sales Agents82%
5 shared skills
Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators82%
5 shared skills
Chief Sustainability Officers82%
5 shared skills
Fundraising Managers82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
Learn on the Job:
- →Persuasion
- →Complex Problem Solving
- →Judgment and Decision Making
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Speaking
- ★Active Listening
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Writing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Lawyers
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Microsoft Access
🔥 Hot TechGoogle Analytics
🔥 Hot TechAdobe Acrobat
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Dynamics
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Microsoft Access
Google Analytics
Adobe Acrobat
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft Dynamics
SAP software
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
CONSTANT
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
General Responsibilities (13)Analysis & Evaluation (1)Planning & Development (2)Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)Management & Supervision (2)
1
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities100% perform100%
2
Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities97% perform98%
3
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Present and summarize cases to judges and juries.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities82% perform88%
8
Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities79% perform86%
9
Select jurors, argue motions, meet with judges, and question witnesses during the course of a trial.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Present evidence to defend clients or prosecute defendants in criminal or civil litigation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on general responsibilities activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Lawyers
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Lawyers professionals typically have a ECI Holland code and highly value recognition
EEnterprising
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Lawyers
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.91
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.74
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.72
Achievement/Effort
CriticalAchievement/Effort
Importance Level4.60
Stress Tolerance
CriticalStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.60
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.53
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.9
Attention to Detail
4.7
Dependability
4.7
Achievement/Effort
4.6
Stress Tolerance
4.6
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Initiative
4.5
Cooperation
4.3
Persistence
4.3
Self-Control
4.1
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 5
Extensive Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree plus work experience, or graduate degree
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Training:
Extensive training and work experience required
💼 Experience Requirement
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Master's or doctoral degree
- • Extensive work experience in the field
- • State licensure or professional certification
5
Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require graduate school. These may include master's, doctoral, or professional degrees.
Master's or doctoral degreeExtensive work experience in the fieldState licensure or professional certification
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