Job title · SOC 23-1011

Government Attorney (agency counsel)

Also known as: government attorney, government lawyer

Overview

Sourced

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 definition of Lawyers (SOC 23-1011) · Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed.

163,430

in government (SOC 23-1011)

22%

of this occupation works for government

$134,680

median pay in government

Federal · State · Local

levels of government

Occupation figures cover every job classified under SOC 23-1011, including Prosecutor / Assistant District Attorney, Public Defender.

Titles employers use

AttorneyAttorney GeneralCounselLawyerAttorney at LawCounty AttorneyDistrict AttorneyGeneral CounselProsecuting AttorneyProsecutor

How people usually get in Editorial

JD + bar; federal Schedule A. Requirements vary by employer; each employer page will list its exact rules.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership; U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database; GovJobsWiki job taxonomy v1 (research round R240) (editorial). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Requirements

Sourced

Typical entry requirements (BLS, SOC 23-1011)

Education needed to enter: Doctoral or professional degree
Related work experience: None
On-the-job training: None

Education workers say the job requires

First Professional Degree

23%

Doctoral Degree

77%

Share of surveyed workers in Lawyers (SOC 23-1011) naming each level as required to be hired, 22 respondents, O*NET survey August 2024. Each employer sets its own minimum.

Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4); U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.

How to get hired

Sourced

Lawyers typically need a law degree and a state license, which usually requires passing a bar examination.

From the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile “Lawyers”, published August 27, 2026 · Read the full profile. National guidance; each employer runs its own hiring process.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–35 edition (XML compilation). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Academy and training

Sourced

Training to become competent (BLS)

SOC 23-1011: None

Preparation level (O*NET)

Job zone: Extensive Preparation Needed

Academy length, curriculum and paid-training policies are set by each employer and state; they are part of the employer collection stage.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4). Data captured September 30, 2026.

Promotion ladder

Editorial

Federal grade and step: federal grade × step (GS/FWS/agency bands: FAA ATC, TSA SV, VA nurse, LEO special rates). Typical structure for a federal general schedule; titles, steps and timing differ by employer.

GS-5/7 entry (Pathways / recent grad)
Career-ladder promotions to full-performance level (GS-9/11/12/13)
GS-14/15 (competitive)
Senior Executive Service
within-grade steps 1–10 (steps 2–4 yearly, 5–7 every 2 yrs, 8–10 every 3 yrs)
special rates: LEO (LEAP 25%), FAA ATC AT-bands, TSA SV bands, VA Nurse I–V

Source: GovJobsWiki job taxonomy v1 (research round R240) (editorial).

Pay

Sourced

Federal

$178,380

State

$116,450

Local

$131,590

All government

$134,680

Private sector

$166,280

Median annual wage by employer type, national, May 2025. Federal includes the U.S. Postal Service; state and local include public schools and hospitals.

Employer type	Workers	10th pct.	25th	Median	75th	90th
Federal	40,500	$118,290	$144,850	$178,380	$195,190	$203,220
State	54,710	$77,250	$92,980	$116,450	$146,510	$178,930
Local	68,230	$80,520	$100,340	$131,590	$172,550	$220,420
All government	163,430	$82,160	$102,480	$134,680	$176,330	$205,110
Private sector	591,070	$76,870	$103,080	$166,280	$242,940	$367,760

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership. Data captured September 30, 2026.

State government pay plans

Official pay ranges for the job classes that match Government Attorney (agency counsel) in 29 state civil-service plans. They cover state employees only, not cities, counties or school districts.

State	Job classes in the state plan	Annual range
Alabama	Attorney I–IV 4 classes · effective September 1, 2026 · Alabama State Personnel Department	$59,273 – $199,426
Arizona	Attorney 3–4 4 classes · effective July 9, 2022 · Arizona Department of Administration, Human Resources Division	$43,240 – $236,787
Arkansas	Attorney I–IV 4 classes · effective July 1, 2025 · Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of Personnel Management	$71,027 – $186,228
California	Attorney III–V 4 classes · effective September 14, 2026 · California Department of Human Resources (CalHR)	$95,628 – $202,596
Connecticut	Staff Attorney 1–3, Staff Attorney 1 (Confidential), Staff Attorney 2 (Confidential), Staff Attorney 3 (Confidential) 6 classes · effective June 26, 2026 · Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Statewide Human Resources	$90,426 – $156,628
Florida	Attorney, Senior Attorney 2 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), State Human Resource Management	$42,463 – $191,752
Georgia	Attorney 1–4, Attorney 1 Non Exempt, Attorney 2 Non Exempt, +2 more 8 classes · effective July 10, 2024 · Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), Human Resources Administration — Compensation	$44,999 – $101,579
Idaho	Attorney 2 1 class · effective June 8, 2025 · Idaho Division of Human Resources	$73,674 – $147,326
Indiana	Attorney 1, Attorney E7, Attorney E6, +2 more 5 classes · Indiana State Personnel Department	$47,476 – $140,344
Iowa	Attorney 1–3 6 classes · effective June 19, 2026 · Iowa Department of Administrative Services	$63,586 – $156,499
Kentucky	Staff Attorney I–III 3 classes · effective September 16, 2026 · Kentucky Personnel Cabinet	$53,329 – $68,829
Louisiana	Attorney 1–4 4 classes · effective March 3, 2025 · Louisiana Department of State Civil Service	$56,326 – $144,893
Maine	Staff Attorney, Attorney 2 classes · effective August 30, 2026 · Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Human Resources	$67,267 – $98,758
Michigan	Attorney Staff-E, Attorney Senior-A 2 classes · effective October 1, 2025 · Michigan Civil Service Commission	$69,742 – $149,011
Minnesota	Attorney 1–4, Staff Attorney 1–3 7 classes · effective July 2, 2026 · Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB)	$73,424 – $138,965
Mississippi	Attorney I–III 3 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Mississippi State Personnel Board	$56,346 – $160,903
Nebraska	Attorney I–III 9 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, State Personnel Division	$54,090 – $114,783
New Jersey	Attorney 1–3 3 classes · New Jersey Civil Service Commission	No fixed rate
New Mexico	Attorney, Lead Attorney 2 classes · effective July 4, 2026 · New Mexico State Personnel Office (SPO), Compensation and Classification	$83,790 – $154,173
New York	Assoc Attorney 1 class · effective April 1, 2026 · New York State Department of Civil Service	$117,592 – $144,422
North Carolina	Attorney I–V 5 classes · effective February 1, 2026 · North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR)	$76,041 – $271,443
Ohio	Attorney 1–6 6 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Classification & Compensation	$59,821 – $145,475
Oklahoma	Attorney I–V 5 classes · effective August 30, 2026 · Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), Human Capital Management	$40,829 – $312,578
Pennsylvania	Attorney 1–5 3 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Administration	$69,086 – $178,231
South Carolina	Attorney I–VI 6 classes · South Carolina Department of Administration, Division of State Human Resources	$58,854 – $257,550
South Dakota	Staff Attorney, Senior Staff Attorney, Attorney I–V 7 classes · effective July 1, 2026 · South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration (BHRA); Unified Judicial System for judicial classes	$66,269 – $188,302
Texas	Attorney I–V 5 classes · effective September 1, 2025 · Texas State Auditor's Office (SAO), State Classification Team	$57,614 – $189,499
West Virginia	Attorney 1–3 3 classes · effective August 24, 2024 · West Virginia Department of Administration, Division of Personnel	$50,242 – $103,488
Wisconsin	Attorney 1 class · effective June 28, 2026 · Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Personnel Management	$80,267 – $166,150

Lowest class minimum to highest class maximum. Hourly rates are converted at 2,080 hours a year, and other rates at the plan's pay periods; the plans publish the exact rates. Classes are matched to this job by title (GovJobsWiki editorial rule).

Sources: 29 official state pay plans, linked in each row.

Schedule

Sourced

Work schedule

Regular

100%

Irregular

Seasonal

Typical work week

Less than 40 hours

13%

40 hours

21%

More than 40 hours

66%

Share of surveyed workers in the occupation (O*NET work context, August 2024). Shift patterns and differentials depend on the employer.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Day-to-day work

Sourced

Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for individuals and businesses.4.5
Analyze the probable outcomes of cases, using knowledge of legal precedents.4.4
Gather evidence to formulate defense or to initiate legal actions by such means as interviewing clients and witnesses to ascertain the facts of a case.4.4
Represent clients in court or before government agencies.4.3
Evaluate findings and develop strategies and arguments in preparation for presentation of cases.4.3
Advise clients concerning business transactions, claim liability, advisability of prosecuting or defending lawsuits, or legal rights and obligations.4.3
Examine legal data to determine advisability of defending or prosecuting lawsuit.4.2
Prepare, draft, and review legal documents, such as wills, deeds, patent applications, mortgages, leases, and contracts.4.2
Study Constitution, statutes, decisions, regulations, and ordinances of quasi-judicial bodies to determine ramifications for cases.4.0
Negotiate settlements of civil disputes.4.0

The 10 most important of 15 core tasks for Lawyers, ranked by importance (1–5) in the O*NET survey of August 2024.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), O*NET 31.0 Database. Data captured September 30, 2026.

13Derived

By state

Sourced

Median annual wage for Lawyers (SOC 23-1011) in each state, all employers (BLS state estimates do not separate government from private). Highest first.

State	Workers	10th pct.	Median	90th pct.
New York	91,870	$85,200	$207,860	$391,420
District of Columbia	33,070	$120,580	$195,190	$392,750
California	95,770	$97,950	$195,080	$369,180
Massachusetts	23,560	$82,100	$176,680	$374,410
Delaware	2,920	$101,200	$173,510	$354,910
Colorado	16,720	$83,350	$168,520	$336,970
Virginia	18,580	$79,330	$167,210	$320,220
Connecticut	8,420	$91,180	$163,600	$342,970
New Jersey	23,160	$93,810	$161,430	$328,270
Illinois	33,590	$82,160	$160,800	$330,200
Pennsylvania	27,170	$77,100	$157,180	$323,370
Minnesota	12,380	$79,820	$155,140	$341,170
Texas	56,580	$79,340	$154,200	$349,490
Washington	12,770	$94,260	$154,130	$298,210
Nevada	6,490	$96,010	$150,510	$414,290
Alaska	1,120	$86,230	$149,940	$281,780
Maryland	13,810	$81,730	$139,110	$269,020
Rhode Island	1,840	$80,710	$138,960	$268,270
Oregon	7,150	$73,610	$138,210	$263,790
Tennessee	9,010	$76,510	$136,180	$324,880
Georgia	23,930	$58,750	$134,830	$317,820
Arizona	11,640	$85,990	$134,260	$268,170
Missouri	11,560	$67,020	$133,450	$299,990
Florida	55,210	$75,530	$133,180	$301,050
Utah	7,020	$59,990	$132,830	$347,090
Alabama	6,730	$62,310	$131,970	$249,090
Ohio	19,950	$69,790	$131,020	$269,530
Michigan	16,620	$77,180	$130,520	$238,370
North Carolina	17,000	$61,610	$127,710	$323,720
Vermont	1,330	$85,510	$127,310	$336,450
Indiana	8,970	$65,750	$126,860	$327,960
Wisconsin	9,160	$76,010	$126,760	$362,040
Hawaii	2,270	$73,890	$124,990	$179,010
Iowa	3,550	$63,790	$123,550	$268,460
New Hampshire	2,250	$65,670	$120,810	$358,300
South Carolina	7,890	$63,140	$120,310	$301,140
New Mexico	3,380	$76,100	$119,680	$232,890
Maine	2,280	$76,820	$113,120	$215,610
Nebraska	3,490	$65,030	$109,170	$217,700
North Dakota	1,050	$70,500	$106,880	$194,840
Kansas	4,190	$76,300	$106,650	$213,360
Louisiana	10,200	$50,140	$104,100	$227,230
Montana	2,380	$62,090	$103,720	$179,620
Idaho	2,490	$50,730	$103,400	$216,660
Oklahoma	6,980	$57,950	$103,060	$207,340
West Virginia	2,440	$64,950	$102,420	$206,370
South Dakota	1,360	$76,920	$102,040	$234,690
Kentucky	5,770	$63,010	$101,550	$187,180
Wyoming	900	$61,170	$100,130	$233,950
Arkansas	3,430	$49,900	$98,880	$220,660
Mississippi	3,100	$47,670	$91,690	$176,750

51 states with published estimates.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates. Data captured September 30, 2026.

Not yet collected

These dimensions are part of every job page. We publish them only once they are sourced from official documents such as job postings, pay plans, union contracts and state standards.

05 Probation
Probation length and what ends it
Not yet collected
09 Benefits and pension
Pension plan/tier and formula, retirement age/years, DROP, retiree health, Social Security coverage, 457(b), PSLF eligibility
Not yet collected
10 Union contracts
Bargaining unit, union, current CBA (source link, effective dates)
Not yet collected
11 Transfers and lateral entry
Lateral policy, certification reciprocity, lateral bonus, inter-agency moves
Not yet collected
14 Exam practice
Named exams → OpenExamPrep practice
Not yet collected
15 Employer directory
L4 directory: every employer that hires this job, each with its own facet values
Not yet collected

At a glance

Job familyCourts & Legal

LevelFederal, State, Local

Pay structureFederal grade and step

Occupation code23-1011 Lawyers

PreparationExtensive Preparation Needed

Sources and verification

Alabama State Personnel Department — Alabama Merit Semi-Monthly Compensation Plan (effective 09/01/2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Alabama state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Arizona Department of Administration, Human Resources Division — Arizona State Personnel System Job Titles with Pay Ranges and Salary Schedules

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Arizona state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Arkansas Department of Shared Administrative Services, Office of Personnel Management — Arkansas Executive Branch Pay Tables and Class Code List

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Arkansas state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) — California State Civil Service Pay Scales — Section 17 Schematic Listing (with Section 16 Schematic Arrangement of Classes)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (California state government publication, CalHR); facts republished with a link to the source

Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Statewide Human Resources — Connecticut State Employee Compensation Plans and Job Class Specifications

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Connecticut state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Employment Projections 2025–35 — education and training assignments by detailed occupation (Tables 5.3, 5.4)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

Florida Department of Management Services (DMS), State Human Resource Management — Florida State Personnel System — Broadband Crosswalk (September 2026), Pay Grades and Broadband Pay Ranges (July 1, 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Florida state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS), Human Resources Administration — Compensation — Georgia State Salary Plans (SWD and LAW) with Job Profiles — September 2026

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Georgia state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Idaho Division of Human Resources — Idaho State Classifications and FY 2026–2027 Salary Structures

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Idaho state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Iowa Department of Administrative Services — Iowa FY 2027 Classification Plan and Pay Plans

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Iowa state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Kentucky Personnel Cabinet — Kentucky Classified and Unclassified 37.5 and 40-Hour Salary Schedule (effective September 16, 2026) and Job Class Specifications

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Kentucky state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Louisiana Department of State Civil Service — Louisiana State Civil Service Pay Plan (Public Version) and Pay Schedules AS, MS, PS, SS, TS, WS

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Louisiana state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services, Bureau of Human Resources — Maine State Government — Job Classification Specifications and Salary Schedules (BHR Salary Schedule Center)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public information (Maine state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Michigan Civil Service Commission — Michigan Civil Service Commission Compensation Plan, Sections A (Alphabetic List of Pay Ranges) and B (Numeric List of Pay Ranges)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (State of Michigan government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Mississippi State Personnel Board — Mississippi Variable Compensation Plan FY 2027 and MSPB Career Catalog

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Mississippi state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Nebraska Department of Administrative Services, State Personnel Division — Nebraska Classification & Pay Plan (July 1, 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Nebraska state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

New Jersey Civil Service Commission — New Jersey State Title List and FY2027 salary schedules by Employee Relations Group

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (State of New Jersey government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

New Mexico State Personnel Office (SPO), Compensation and Classification — New Mexico Classified Service — FY27 Salary Schedule (effective 7/4/2026) and Classification and Pay Listing (effective 7/30/2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (New Mexico state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

New York State Department of Civil Service — New York State Title and Salary Plan (Title and Salary Listing) and negotiating-unit salary schedules

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Title listing: OPEN-NY Terms of Use (data.ny.gov) — free use for any lawful purpose, no attribution or share-alike required; salary schedules and title file on cs.ny.gov: public record (New York State government publications); facts republished with a link to the source

North Carolina Office of State Human Resources (OSHR) — North Carolina Class Specifications and Graded Salary Schedules (DT, HP, LG, MH, NC, SW)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (North Carolina state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA) — O*NET 31.0 Database

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · CC BY 4.0

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. GovJobsWiki has modified some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — national estimates by ownership

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–35 edition (XML compilation)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public domain (U.S. government work)

Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Classification & Compensation — Ohio State Classification Plan — Pay Range Booklet and Pay Range Schedules (rates effective July 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Ohio state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Oklahoma Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), Human Capital Management — Oklahoma Pay Structures for State Employees (effective 08/30/2026) and OMES Job Catalog

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Oklahoma state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Office of Administration — Pennsylvania Commonwealth Classification and Pay Plan (job classes and pay schedules)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

South Carolina Department of Administration, Division of State Human Resources — South Carolina Classified Pay Structure and State Job Classifications

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (South Carolina state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

South Dakota Bureau of Human Resources and Administration (BHRA); Unified Judicial System for judicial classes — South Dakota Class Code Master and FY27 Pay Structures

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (South Dakota state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Indiana State Personnel Department — State of Indiana Job Code Listing (August 2026)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Indiana state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) — State of Minnesota Salary Plan — Classifications and Salary Ranges (report LR0067)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public data (Minnesota state government publication, MMB); facts republished with a link to the source

Texas State Auditor's Office (SAO), State Classification Team — Texas State Classification Plan — Job Description Index and Salary Schedules A, B and C (FY 2026–27)

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public information (Texas state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

West Virginia Department of Administration, Division of Personnel — West Virginia Division of Personnel — Schedule of Salary Grades 2-26 (effective August 24, 2024) and Class Specifications

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public information (West Virginia state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

Wisconsin Department of Administration, Division of Personnel Management — Wisconsin Alphabetical Listing of Classifications and 2025-2027 Compensation Plan Pay Schedules

Official source · data captured September 30, 2026 · Public record (Wisconsin state government publication); facts republished with a link to the source

GovJobsWiki — GovJobsWiki job taxonomy v1 (research round R240)

GovJobsWiki editorial · not a sourced fact · GovJobsWiki editorial

Page data last changed September 30, 2026. How we verify · Report an error

Government Attorney (agency counsel)

Overview

Titles employers use

Requirements

Education workers say the job requires

How to get hired

Academy and training

Promotion ladder

Pay

State government pay plans

Schedule

Day-to-day work

Related jobs

By state

Not yet collected