Lawyer average annual salary of about $145,000, but pay varies widely depending on experience, specialization, employer type, and location; entry-level attorneys often start between $70,000 and $100,000, while senior or specialized lawyers, especially in corporate or intellectual property law, can make $200,000 to $250,000+ per year, with those in top law firms (“Big Law”) starting near $200,000; government and small-firm lawyers generally earn less, often between $60,000 and $120,000, though many also receive bonuses, benefits, and profit-sharing, making the profession one of the higher-paying career paths overall.