Judicial Law Clerks vs. Lawyers: Who Earns More?
Lawyers out-earn Judicial Law Clerks by $95K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Judicial Law Clerks land at $64,920 and Lawyers at $159,670. The education gap is real: judicial law clerk programs typically require doctoral or professional degree, while lawyer programs require doctoral or professional degree. Top-paying state for Judicial Law Clerks is Massachusetts ($143,350); for Lawyers it's New York ($207,860).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Judicial Law Clerks median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Judicial Law Clerks or Lawyers?
Lawyers earn more nationally. The median is $64,920 for Judicial Law Clerks versus $159,670 for Lawyers, a difference of $95K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Judicial Law Clerks or Lawyers?
Lawyers has the better 10-year outlook at 4.1% projected growth, compared to 2.5% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Judicial Law Clerks or Lawyers?
Judicial Law Clerks typically requires doctoral or professional degree. Lawyers requires doctoral or professional degree. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Judicial Law Clerks get paid the most?
Massachusetts is the top-paying state for Judicial Law Clerks at $143,350/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Judicial Law Clerks vs. Lawyers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Massachusetts, Judicial Law Clerks earn $143,350 vs. $176,680 for Lawyers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.