Lawyers can earn a good salary, but it takes time to reach the top. The average median salary for a lawyer is $86,000 a year, with the top 25% earning an average of $186,300 a year. However, starting lawyers can expect to make between $40,000 and $65,000 a year. The type of lawyer and location can also impact earnings. For example, healthcare lawyers can earn an average of $147,000 a year, while immigration lawyers earn around $62,000 a year.