>That's what occupational data does. You use a median because it
>actually deals with the problem you raise: when a small number of
>high earners could drag up the _average_(mean). Median is a better
>approximation of what the typical earner makes.
<http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos053.htm>
In May 2004, the median annual earnings of all lawyers were $94,930. The middle half of the occupation earned between $64,620 and $143,620. Median annual earnings in the industries employing the largest numbers of lawyers in May 2004 were as follows:
Management of companies and enterprises $126,250 Federal Government 108,090 Legal services 99,580 Local government 73,410 State government 70,280
Median salaries of lawyers 9 months after graduation from law school in 2004 varied by type of work, as indicated in table 1.
Table 1. Median salaries of lawyers 9 months after graduation, 2004
Type of work Salary All graduates $55,000
Type of work
Private practice 80,000 Business/industry 60,000 Judicial clerkship and government 44,700 Academe 40,000
Source: National Association of Law Placement
Salaries of experienced attorneys vary widely according to the type, size, and location of their employer. Lawyers who own their own practices usually earn less than those who are partners in law firms. Lawyers starting their own practice may need to work part time in other occupations to supplement their income until their practice is well established. Most salaried lawyers are provided health and life insurance, and contributions are made to retirement plans on their behalf. Lawyers who practice independently are covered only if they arrange and pay for such benefits themselves.