Lawyers
O*NET 23-1011.00 · SOC 23-1011
Lawyer is a solid career choice. Median pay is $160k a year with +4.7% projected growth through 2035 (about as fast as average) and about 28,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.
Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27
What You'd Actually Do
- →Research legal precedents and case law
- →Draft legal documents, contracts, and briefs
- →Represent clients in court and negotiations
- →Advise clients on legal rights and obligations
- →Negotiate settlements and plea agreements
Education & How to Get In
Lawyer roles typically require a master's degree, doctorate, or professional degree. This is a long-term investment, expect 6–10 years of post-secondary education, but the depth of expertise commands strong compensation and career stability.
Get Started Learning
Ready to start building skills for a career as a Lawyer? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.
Links open in a new tab. Some may include affiliate partnerships.
Work Environment
Leadership, offices, client meetings, or hybrid
Collaborative, frequent interaction with teams, clients, or patients
A Day in the Life
While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as a Lawyer involves a mix of core responsibilities:
Personality Fit (RIASEC)
Who Thrives as Lawyer?
Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.
Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →
See Open Lawyer Roles
Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.
Similar Careers
Explore More Careers
Job Outlook
Employment of Lawyers is projected to grow 4.7% from 2025 to 2035, about as fast as average for all occupations.
Will AI Replace This Job?
- ·37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace
- ·31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace
Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.
Common Questions
How much does a Lawyer make?
The median Lawyer earns $160k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.
Will AI replace Lawyer jobs?
Our model puts Lawyer at 33 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% social/interpersonal tasks, hard for AI to replace; 31% creative/strategic tasks, AI augments, doesn't replace.
Is Lawyer a growing field?
Employment is projected to grow 4.7% between 2025 and 2035, which is about as fast as average. That works out to roughly 28,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.
What degree do you need to be a Lawyer?
Lawyer roles generally require a master's, doctorate or professional degree, so plan for graduate study rather than a bachelor's alone.
How long does it take to become a Lawyer?
Typically six to ten years, typically a master's, doctorate or professional degree. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 5 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.
Is a Lawyer career right for you?
Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.
Take the assessment →Free to take · Matches $9 · No account required · 7 minutes