What is the Average Entry Level Salary for a Family Lawyer?

There is a common belief that lawyers earn a great deal of money and are quite wealthy, and while this is sometimes the case, it is often the opposite. The average salary of a family lawyer or any lawyer is lower than most would believe. A lawyer's salary depends on many factors, and some lawyers make on average the same as a fast food manager.

Payscale

Payscale.com states that the annual median income for a family lawyer in the United States is $59,864 (see link in Resources).

Overall average

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the annual average income for all lawyers was $102,470 in 2006 (see link in Resources).

Experience

Experience pays a large factor in determining wages. The average lawyer makes $60,000 within 6 months after graduate school.

Private

Lawyers who have their own private practice average $90,000 per year.

Firm

New lawyers may earn as little as $44,000 per year, or less, when starting out.

Summary

The earnings of any type of lawyer depends on a variety of variables. Education, experience, private vs. firm, and location all play a role in determining the salary of a lawyer.

Resources

• Payscale.com
• U.S. Department of Labor