How Much Do Family Lawyers Earn?

Family lawyers find that annual salary estimates vary widely. Factors such as employment type, location and years of experience play major roles in the earnings of all lawyers, including family lawyers.

Average Earnings

As of October 2010, Payscale, an online database detailing compensation rates for occupations, says the median annual salary for lawyers and attorneys practicing family law is $48,157 to $78,487. This falls below the Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2009 mean annual wage figure of $129,020 for lawyers as a whole.

Self-Employment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, lawyers who own their own practices typically earn less than those working as partners in established law firms. Lawyers starting their own practices often need to find ways to supplement their earnings until they have established their businesses.

Location

A family lawyer's geographical location also plays a role in his annual earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the District of Columbia, New York, Delaware, California and Georgia are the highest-paying places.

References

• Payscale: Median Salary by Practice Area
• Payscale: Salary Snapshot for Attorney / Lawyer Jobs
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition - Lawyers
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009 - Lawyers