Lawyer Salary in the USA
Lawyers provide legal advice, draft documents, represent clients, and handle legal transactions. They specialize in areas like corporate, litigation, or real estate.
Lawyer Take Home Pay
On the average Lawyer salary of $135,000, you would take home $103,026 per year ($8,585.46 per month) after federal tax and FICA.
Effective tax rate: 23.7%|Marginal rate: 24%
Lawyer Salary by Location
Lawyer salaries vary significantly by region. California and New York typically offer the highest salaries but also have higher costs of living and state income taxes.
Lawyer Salary Growth (2020-2025)
See how Lawyer salaries have changed over the past 5 years, including inflation-adjusted real growth.
+19.9%
Total Growth
+$22,413
Salary Increase
+3.7%
Annual Growth Rate
-3.5%
Real Growth (Inflation Adj.)
Year-over-Year Changes
Key Skills Required
Typical Qualifications
- Law degree (JD)
- Bar admission
- Strong writing skills
Lawyer Career Progression
What Does a Lawyer Do?
Industries Hiring Lawyers
Calculate Your Take Home Pay
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Your Income
Enter your salary details for 2025
✓ No state income tax
Pre-tax contribution (max $23,500 in 2025)
Pre-tax health savings (max $4,300 self / $8,550 family)
Take Home Pay
$103,025.50/year
76.3% of gross income
- Gross Income$135,000.00
- Taxable Income$120,000.00
- Federal Tax-$21,647.00
- State Tax (TX)-$0.00
- Social Security-$8,370.00
- Medicare-$1,957.50
- Total Deductions-$31,974.50
23.7%
Effective Rate
24%
Marginal Rate
$135,000 Salary Insights
Compare your salary and understand your tax breakdown
$135,000 vs US Wages
Top 10% of US earners
+127%
vs US Median
$75,460
Above Median
Where Your $135,000 Goes
Annual breakdown of your salary
401(k) Tax Benefits on $135,000
See how 401(k) contributions reduce your tax bill
Increase your 401(k) contribution to see potential tax savings. Max contribution for 2025 is $23,500.
Lawyer Salary FAQ
What is the average Lawyer salary in the US?
The average Lawyer salary in the US is $135,000 per year. Salaries typically range from $70,000 for entry-level positions to $300,000 for senior roles.
How much does a Lawyer earn in California?
A Lawyer in California earns an average of $170,000 per year, which is 42% higher than the national average.
What is the take-home pay for a Lawyer?
On the average Lawyer salary of $135,000, you would take home approximately $103,026 per year ($8,585.46 per month) after federal income tax and FICA taxes.