Lawyers
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
- O*NET-SOC code
23-1011.00 - Preparation Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed
Wages
Median annual wage, U.S.$159,670
Employment, U.S.754,500
Median hourly wage$76.76
| 10th | 25th | Median | 75th | 90th |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $78,360 | $102,990 | $159,670 | $221,370 | $351,600 |
By state (51)
| State | Employment | Median annual | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 6,730 | $131,970 | 0.66 |
| Alaska | 1,120 | $149,940 | 0.71 |
| Arizona | 11,640 | $134,260 | 0.74 |
| Arkansas | 3,430 | $98,880 | 0.54 |
| California | 95,770 | $195,080 | 1.08 |
| Colorado | 16,720 | $168,520 | 1.20 |
| Connecticut | 8,420 | $163,600 | 1.02 |
| Delaware | 2,920 | $173,510 | 1.24 |
| District of Columbia | 33,070 | $195,190 | 9.71 |
| Florida | 55,210 | $133,180 | 1.15 |
| Georgia | 23,930 | $134,830 | 1.01 |
| Hawaii | 2,270 | $124,990 | 0.75 |
| Idaho | 2,490 | $103,400 | 0.60 |
| Illinois | 33,590 | $160,800 | 1.14 |
| Indiana | 8,970 | $126,860 | 0.58 |
| Iowa | 3,550 | $123,550 | 0.47 |
| Kansas | 4,190 | $106,650 | 0.60 |
| Kentucky | 5,770 | $101,550 | 0.59 |
| Louisiana | 10,200 | $104,100 | 1.09 |
| Maine | 2,280 | $113,120 | 0.73 |
| Maryland | 13,810 | $139,110 | 1.03 |
| Massachusetts | 23,560 | $176,680 | 1.33 |
| Michigan | 16,620 | $130,520 | 0.78 |
| Minnesota | 12,380 | $155,140 | 0.86 |
| Mississippi | 3,100 | $91,690 | 0.55 |
| Missouri | 11,560 | $133,450 | 0.81 |
| Montana | 2,380 | $103,720 | 0.96 |
| Nebraska | 3,490 | $109,170 | 0.70 |
| Nevada | 6,490 | $150,510 | 0.86 |
| New Hampshire | 2,250 | $120,810 | 0.68 |
| New Jersey | 23,160 | $161,430 | 1.11 |
| New Mexico | 3,380 | $119,680 | 0.80 |
| New York | 91,870 | $207,860 | 1.95 |
| North Carolina | 17,000 | $127,710 | 0.71 |
| North Dakota | 1,050 | $106,880 | 0.50 |
| Ohio | 19,950 | $131,020 | 0.74 |
| Oklahoma | 6,980 | $103,060 | 0.84 |
| Oregon | 7,150 | $138,210 | 0.75 |
| Pennsylvania | 27,170 | $157,180 | 0.92 |
| Rhode Island | 1,840 | $138,960 | 0.76 |
| South Carolina | 7,890 | $120,310 | 0.71 |
| South Dakota | 1,360 | $102,040 | 0.61 |
| Tennessee | 9,010 | $136,180 | 0.57 |
| Texas | 56,580 | $154,200 | 0.83 |
| Utah | 7,020 | $132,830 | 0.83 |
| Vermont | 1,330 | $127,310 | 0.90 |
| Virginia | 18,580 | $167,210 | 0.93 |
| Washington | 12,770 | $154,130 | 0.74 |
| West Virginia | 2,440 | $102,420 | 0.72 |
| Wisconsin | 9,160 | $126,760 | 0.64 |
| Wyoming | 900 | $100,130 | 0.66 |
Similar occupations
Similarity is our measure: the cosine of importance x level over all 120 O*NET skills, knowledge areas and abilities. It is not an O*NET finding. More.
Circles are the 20 most similar occupations, coloured by Job Zone. Lines join pairs where one is among the other's 10 most similar; darker lines are pairs O*NET also lists as related. Drag a circle to move it out of the way; select one to open it.
| # | Occupation | Job Zone | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative Law Judges, Adjudicators, and Hearing Officers | 5 | 0.973 |
| 2 | Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | 5 | 0.966 |
| 3 | Judicial Law Clerks | 5 | 0.962 |
| 4 | Labor Relations Specialists | 4 | 0.962 |
| 5 | Equal Opportunity Representatives and Officers | 4 | 0.961 |
| 6 | Regulatory Affairs Specialists | 4 | 0.954 |
| 7 | Loan Interviewers and Clerks | 3 | 0.950 |
| 8 | Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | 4 | 0.949 |
| 9 | Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators | 5 | 0.949 |
| 10 | Compliance Officers | 4 | 0.948 |
One skill away
Among the 50 occupations most similar to Lawyers, those at the same Job Zone or lower, where exactly one skill rated at least 3 in importance needs a level more than 0.75 points higher (on O*NET's 0-7 level scale). Our definition. Change the thresholds.
| Occupation | Skill to build | Level gap | Similarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates | Active Listening | 0.88 | 0.966 |
| Loan Interviewers and Clerks | Mathematics | 1.00 | 0.950 |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | Mathematics | 1.00 | 0.949 |
| Compliance Managers | Monitoring | 0.87 | 0.947 |
| Educational, Guidance, and Career Counselors and Advisors | Social Perceptiveness | 0.88 | 0.937 |
| Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists | Mathematics | 1.00 | 0.933 |
| Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents | Mathematics | 1.13 | 0.930 |
| Climate Change Policy Analysts | Mathematics | 1.13 | 0.929 |
| Clinical Research Coordinators | Science | 2.50 | 0.928 |
| Meeting, Convention, and Event Planners | Management of Financial Resources | 1.00 | 0.928 |
Software to learn next
Software used by at least 3 of the 20 occupations most similar to Lawyers, excluding software Lawyers already lists and any you named. Ranked by how many of them use it, weighted by how much more common it is among them than across all occupations (lift). Our ranking.
| Software | Similar jobs using it | Lift |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft SharePoint | 10 of 20 | 2.8x |
| Online databases | 3 of 20 | 17.3x |
| Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS | 4 of 20 | 4.6x |
| Oracle PeopleSoft | 5 of 20 | 2.9x |
| NortonLifeLock cybersecurity software | 3 of 20 | 3.7x |
| MicroStrategy | 3 of 20 | 3.0x |
| Database software | 6 of 20 | 1.7x |
| 3 of 20 | 2.6x | |
| Microsoft SQL Server | 4 of 20 | 2.0x |
| FileMaker Pro | 4 of 20 | 1.9x |
Skills
From O*NET data. Importance is rated 1 to 5 and level 0 to 7.
| Skill | Type | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speaking | Essential skill | 4.62 | 4.88 |
| Active Listening | Essential skill | 4.50 | 5.00 |
| Critical Thinking | Essential skill | 4.50 | 5.00 |
| Reading Comprehension | Essential skill | 4.50 | 4.88 |
| Writing | Essential skill | 4.25 | 4.88 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | Transferable skill | 4.12 | 4.38 |
| Complex Problem Solving | Transferable skill | 4.12 | 4.25 |
| Persuasion | Transferable skill | 4.00 | 5.00 |
| Negotiation | Transferable skill | 4.00 | 4.38 |
| Active Learning | Essential skill | 3.75 | 4.12 |
| Social Perceptiveness | Transferable skill | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Time Management | Transferable skill | 3.62 | 4.00 |
| Coordination | Transferable skill | 3.50 | 3.38 |
| Monitoring | Essential skill | 3.38 | 3.75 |
| Systems Analysis | Transferable skill | 3.38 | 3.50 |
| Service Orientation | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.50 |
| Instructing | Transferable skill | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Learning Strategies | Essential skill | 3.12 | 3.12 |
| Systems Evaluation | Transferable skill | 3.00 | 3.25 |
| Management of Personnel Resources | Transferable skill | 2.88 | 3.00 |
| Operations Analysis | Transferable skill | 2.38 | 2.25 |
| Management of Financial Resources | Transferable skill | 2.00 | 2.12 |
| Mathematics | Essential skill | 2.00 | 2.12 |
| Management of Material Resources | Transferable skill | 2.00 | 2.00 |
| Programming | Transferable skill | 1.50 | 0.50 |
| Science | Essential skill | 1.50 | 0.50 |
| Technology Design | Transferable skill | 1.50 | 0.50 |
| Operations Monitoring | Transferable skill | 1.38 | 0.38 |
| Equipment Maintenance | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Equipment Selection | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Installation | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Operation and Control | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Quality Control Analysis | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Repairing | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
| Troubleshooting | Transferable skill | 1.00 | not rated |
Knowledge (33) and abilities (52)
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Law and Government | 4.98 | 5.93 |
| English Language | 4.66 | 5.57 |
| Customer and Personal Service | 4.00 | 5.01 |
| Administrative | 3.20 | 3.68 |
| Computers and Electronics | 3.07 | 3.48 |
| Communications and Media | 3.02 | 3.42 |
| Administration and Management | 2.77 | 3.12 |
| Education and Training | 2.58 | 2.95 |
| Personnel and Human Resources | 2.39 | 2.52 |
| Public Safety and Security | 2.35 | not rated |
| Mathematics | 2.31 | 2.32 |
| Psychology | 2.28 | 2.43 |
| Economics and Accounting | 2.18 | 1.81 |
| Sociology and Anthropology | 2.12 | 1.96 |
| Sales and Marketing | 1.91 | 1.72 |
| Telecommunications | 1.78 | 0.70 |
| Therapy and Counseling | 1.72 | 1.02 |
| History and Archeology | 1.69 | 1.28 |
| Production and Processing | 1.52 | 1.06 |
| Geography | 1.47 | 0.93 |
| Philosophy and Theology | 1.41 | 1.09 |
| Transportation | 1.36 | 0.73 |
| Foreign Language | 1.25 | 0.37 |
| Medicine and Dentistry | 1.19 | not rated |
| Engineering and Technology | 1.17 | not rated |
| Chemistry | 1.13 | not rated |
| Fine Arts | 1.10 | not rated |
| Biology | 1.04 | not rated |
| Design | 1.04 | not rated |
| Building and Construction | 1.02 | not rated |
| Mechanical | 1.02 | not rated |
| Food Production | 1.00 | not rated |
| Physics | 1.00 | not rated |
| Name | Importance | Level |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Expression | 4.88 | 5.00 |
| Oral Comprehension | 4.62 | 5.00 |
| Written Comprehension | 4.62 | 5.00 |
| Written Expression | 4.50 | 5.00 |
| Speech Clarity | 4.38 | 4.75 |
| Deductive Reasoning | 4.12 | 4.50 |
| Inductive Reasoning | 4.00 | 4.25 |
| Problem Sensitivity | 4.00 | 4.00 |
| Information Ordering | 3.88 | 4.12 |
| Near Vision | 3.75 | 4.62 |
| Fluency of Ideas | 3.75 | 4.25 |
| Category Flexibility | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Originality | 3.75 | 4.00 |
| Speech Recognition | 3.75 | 3.62 |
| Selective Attention | 3.25 | 3.12 |
| Flexibility of Closure | 3.00 | 3.00 |
| Memorization | 2.88 | 3.12 |
| Speed of Closure | 2.88 | 2.88 |
| Time Sharing | 2.88 | 2.62 |
| Far Vision | 2.75 | 3.00 |
| Perceptual Speed | 2.62 | 2.62 |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 2.62 | 2.50 |
| Visualization | 2.50 | 2.50 |
| Number Facility | 2.38 | 2.38 |
| Auditory Attention | 2.12 | 2.00 |
| Visual Color Discrimination | 1.75 | 1.50 |
| Finger Dexterity | 1.75 | 1.12 |
| Trunk Strength | 1.75 | 1.12 |
| Hearing Sensitivity | 1.75 | 1.00 |
| Wrist-Finger Speed | 1.62 | 0.62 |
| Depth Perception | 1.50 | 0.62 |
| Arm-Hand Steadiness | 1.12 | not rated |
| Control Precision | 1.12 | not rated |
| Manual Dexterity | 1.12 | not rated |
| Spatial Orientation | 1.12 | not rated |
| Dynamic Flexibility | 1.00 | not rated |
| Dynamic Strength | 1.00 | not rated |
| Explosive Strength | 1.00 | not rated |
| Extent Flexibility | 1.00 | not rated |
| Glare Sensitivity | 1.00 | not rated |
| Gross Body Coordination | 1.00 | not rated |
| Gross Body Equilibrium | 1.00 | not rated |
| Multilimb Coordination | 1.00 | not rated |
| Night Vision | 1.00 | not rated |
| Peripheral Vision | 1.00 | not rated |
| Rate Control | 1.00 | not rated |
| Reaction Time | 1.00 | not rated |
| Response Orientation | 1.00 | not rated |
| Sound Localization | 1.00 | not rated |
| Speed of Limb Movement | 1.00 | not rated |
| Stamina | 1.00 | not rated |
| Static Strength | 1.00 | not rated |
Software used
Examples from O*NET data. "Hot" and "in demand" are O*NET flags for technologies often listed in job postings.
- Microsoft Office software in demand
- Adobe Acrobat hot
- Google Analytics hot
- Microsoft Access hot
- Microsoft Excel hot
- Microsoft Outlook hot
- Microsoft PowerPoint hot
- Microsoft Project hot
- Microsoft Word hot
- SAP software hot
- ADC Legal Systems Perfect Practice
- ADERANT Expert Matter Center
- Abacus Data Systems AbacusLaw
- AbacusNext HotDocs
- Advanced Technologies Class Act
- AdvantageLaw WinVantage
- Anacomp CaseLogistix
- Argosy Legal Systems Power Closer
- BQE Software BillQuick
- Best Case Solutions Best Case Bankruptcy
- Bridgeway eCounsel
- CT Summation iBlaze
- CT hCue
- Canyon Solutions Jcats
- Captaris Alchemy
- Catalyst Repository Systems CatalystCR
- Catalyst Repository Systems CatalystDR
- Catalyst Repository Systems CatalystXE
- Chesapeake Interlink Needles
- Client Profiles Case Management
All 126
- Cobblestone Systems Contract Insight
- CompuLaw Vision
- Compugov DocketView
- Computer Sciences Corporation Legal Solutions Suite
- Constellation Justice Systems CourtView
- Convex FactLogic
- Corel WordPerfect Office Suite
- Corporate Focus Solium Shareworks
- Corporatek EnAct Platinum
- Creative Data Solutions DuProcess
- CrimeCog Technologies E*Justice
- Crocodile Consulting Traffic Control
- Customer Expressions i-Sight
- CyberDyne Industries CaseWizard
- DATAssimilate Systems DATAssimilator
- DPS Software General Litigation
- De Novo Systems De Novo CaseMgr
- Diarymaster
- Direct Hit Systems THREADS
- ERP software
- ESI Software ESILAW
- Eclipse Legal Systems Proclaim
- Economic Analysis Group EAG CaseTrack
- Equative TimeLedger
- FTI Ringtail Legal
- Fastcase legal software
- Fund accounting software
- Gavel & Gown Software Amicus Attorney
- Genlex CaseAce
- HiPerSoft Practice Information Powertool
- I-many Contract Management
- IBM Federated Records Management
- IDEA TrialPro
- Immigrant Software Immigrant Professional
- Interwoven RecordsManager
- Iron Mountain Accutrac records management software
- Juris
- Justice Systems FullCourt Enterprise
- LT Online Corporation LAWTRAC
- LawLogix Edge
- Lawex TrialWorks
- Legal Files software
- LegalEdge Law Firm Suite
- Levare Center Court
- LexisNexis
- LexisNexis CaseMap
- LexisNexis Lexis Back Office
- LexisNexis Lexis Front Office
- LexisNexis PCLaw
- LexisNexis Shepard's Citations Service
- LogMeIn GoToMeeting
- Lucid IQ CMP
- MicroFocus GroupWise
- Microsoft Dynamics
- Microsoft Publisher
- Microsoft SharePoint Server
- NetDocuments
- Nolo Quicken Legal Business Pro
- Nuance PaperPort Professional
- OpenText eDOCS DM
- Orion Law Management Systems Orion
- PerfectLaw All-in-One Suite
- Practice Technology Prevail
- ProCAT Denoto
- ProDoc
- SMEsource BillingOrchard
- SUSTAIN Justice Edition
- Saga Practice Manager
- Sage Timeslips
- Selectica Contract Performance Management
- Software Technology Tabs3
- Solution Specialties TRACKER
- Synaptec LawBase Case Management
- Synergy International Systems Synergy CaseTrack
- Tabs3 PracticeMaster
- Tax software
- Technovation Software ImmigrationPro
- Thomson Reuters Elite ProLaw
- Thomson Reuters Westlaw
- Thomson West Cowles Estate Practice System
- TimePro Legal Software TimePro
- TimeSolv Legal
- TopDogLegal
- Upside Software UpsideContract
- Verdict Systems Sanction
- Virtual Case Management
- Visionary Legal Technologies Visionary Professional
- WealthCounsel WealthDocs
- Web browser software
- WebEx WebOffice
- Woll2Woll InfoPower Studio
- Wolters Kluwer Loislaw
- World Software Corporation Worldox
- WorthMORE Software CaseWORTH
- eLawSoftware
- inData TrialDirector
Where it concentrates
Metro areas ranked by BLS location quotient: the occupation's share of the area's jobs divided by its share of all US jobs. Above 1 means more concentrated than the nation. Metros employing fewer than 100 are left out.
| Metro area | Employment | Location quotient | Median annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | 46,840 | 3.08 | $195,190 |
| Tallahassee, FL | 2,170 | 2.40 | $103,320 |
| Trenton-Princeton, NJ | 2,470 | 2.12 | $138,760 |
| New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ | 94,610 | 2.05 | $208,880 |
| New Orleans-Metairie, LA | 4,330 | 2.00 | $121,290 |
| Helena, MT | 410 | 1.92 | $108,410 |
| Santa Fe, NM | 530 | 1.77 | $122,430 |
| Charleston, WV | 880 | 1.75 | $101,150 |
| Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL | 23,270 | 1.70 | $160,320 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 18,470 | 1.60 | $212,500 |