Lawyers: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Lawyers fall under the Legal category in the U.S. occupational classification. Lawyers earn a median salary of $159,670 per year, ranking in the top 4% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +4.7% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree followed by a professional doctorate (such as MD, DO, JD, DDS, or PharmD), with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do lawyers earn?

The median annual wage for lawyers is $159,670. That puts lawyers at #35 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. Pay at this level is well above the U.S. median household income, signaling sustained demand and meaningful credential requirements. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is lawyers a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for lawyers is +4.7%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 863K positions in 2024 to 904K in 2034, a net change of 41K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become lawyer?

Becoming a lawyer typically requires a bachelor's degree followed by a master's, doctoral, or professional degree, plus state licensure or board certification depending on specialty. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

How to become lawyer: step by step

The typical education and licensing pathway from high school into this profession. Total time to entry is about 7 years. Steps marked optional are common for advancement but not required to start.

1. 1

   Undergraduate Education

   ~4 years

   Complete a bachelor's degree in any major. Law schools accept students from diverse academic backgrounds. Focus on developing strong analytical and communication skills.

   • •Strong writing and analytical skills
   • •Critical thinking coursework
   • •Maintain competitive GPA (3.5+)
   • •No required major (common: Political Science, History, English, Economics)
2. 2

   Standardized Testing

   Most law schools require the LSAT during your junior or senior year. However, 100+ ABA-accredited law schools now accept GRE scores as an alternative, and 14 schools are test-optional (as of 2024).

   LSAT (Law School Admission Test) or GRE (optional at 100+ schools)
3. 3

   Law School (JD)

   ~3 years

   Complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree at an ABA-accredited law school. First year covers fundamental legal principles, second and third years allow for specialization. Most ABA-accredited schools now require experiential learning through clinics or externships.

   • •1L required courses: Contracts, Torts, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, Legal Writing
   • •2L-3L electives and specializations
   • •Clinical programs or externships (required for graduation at most schools)
   • •Professional Responsibility course (required)
   • •Law review or moot court (recommended)
4. 4

   Bar Examination and Licensing

   Pass the bar examination in the state where you wish to practice. The Uniform Bar Examination (UBE) is adopted by 41 jurisdictions as of 2024-2025, allowing score portability between UBE states. The NextGen Bar Exam will begin launching in July 2026 in 10 jurisdictions, with full rollout by February 2028. Preparation typically takes 2-3 months.

   • •Pass state bar exam
   • •Pass MPRE (ethics exam, required in all states except Wisconsin and Puerto Rico)
   • •Character and fitness review
   • •Bar admission ceremony

   State Bar Examination (UBE or state-specific)MPRE (Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination)NextGen Bar Exam (launching July 2026 in select jurisdictions)

Related careers your child might also consider

• Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
  $153,990 median
• Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers
  $117,860 median
• Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators
  $75,530 median
• Legal Support Workers, All Other
  $72,110 median
• Judicial Law Clerks
  $64,920 median
• Paralegals and Legal Assistants
  $62,890 median

Common questions parents ask about lawyers