How Much Do Lawyers Earn Starting Out in 2025?

{ “title”: “How Much Do Lawyers Earn Starting Out in 2025?”, “description”: “Discover the average starting salary for new lawyers, including factors that influence earnings and career growth tips based on 2025 data.”, “slug”: “how-much-do-lawyers-earn-starting-out-2025”, “contents”: “# How Much Do Lawyers Earn Starting Out in 2025?\n\nEntering the legal profession is a significant career decision, but understanding starting salaries is crucial for planning your future. If you’re considering law school or a new graduate lawyer, knowing the earning potential helps set realistic expectations and financial strategies.\n\n## The Average Starting Salary for Lawyers\n\nAs of 2025, entry-level lawyers in the United States earn between \(65,000 and \)85,000 annually. This range reflects variations by geographic location, law firm type, and specialization. For example, new graduates at large national firms in major cities like New York or San Francisco often start near \(75,000–\)90,000 per year, while those entering public interest or government roles may begin closer to \(65,000–\)75,000.\n\nAccording to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for lawyers was $144,530 in 2024, but starting salaries remain below this due to entry barriers such as bar exam costs, debt, and limited full-time opportunities for recent graduates. Nonetheless, early-career earnings are influenced by market demand, law firm reputation, and relevant experience.\n\n## Key Factors Affecting Starting Lawyer Earnings\n\nSeveral elements shape what a new lawyer earns upon starting their career:\n\n- Location: Urban centers with higher costs of living and dense legal markets offer higher starting pay. For instance, lawyers in Washington, D.C., or Chicago often receive better compensation than those in smaller towns.\n- Firm Size and Type: Large firms typically offer higher starting salaries due to greater billable hours and client portfolios. In contrast, solo practitioners or small firms may pay less initially but can grow faster with client acquisition.\n- Specialization: Emerging fields like cybersecurity law, intellectual property, and environmental law are seeing faster salary growth, attracting new graduates with higher starting offers.\n- Education and Credentials: Lawyers from top-ranked schools often negotiate stronger starting packages, though this advantage diminishes with experience. Additional certifications or technical skills further boost earning potential.\n\n## LSI Keywords Supporting Legal Career Insights\n\nBeyond the primary focus, relevant supporting terms to enrich SEO and reader context include: bar exam preparation, legal career entry, first-year lawyer salary, job market for new lawyers, and career growth in law.\n\n## Building Momentum After Graduation\n\nStarting out in law opens doors beyond traditional courtroom roles. Many new lawyers leverage internships, clerkships, or legal consulting to gain experience and expand their professional network. Continuous learning—through certifications or advanced training—can lead to faster promotions and higher pay. Staying informed on evolving legal tech and regulatory changes positions early-career lawyers as valuable assets to employers.\n\n## Conclusion & Next Steps\n\nUnderstanding starting salaries empowers law students and new graduates to make confident career choices. While the initial pay may not match later success, strategic planning—such as targeting high-demand specialties and negotiating effectively—can accelerate growth. Take control of your legal career: research salary benchmarks, connect with mentors, and build practical experience. Your future in law starts with informed decisions today.\n}