what profession pays the most between a doctor or a lawyer

by Heaven Kreiger 8 min read

However, on average, the data shows that doctors make more than lawyers. To the surprise of some, the reality is that the discrepancy is not even close. Specifically, the average doctor makes $208,000 per year, while the average lawyer makes $118,160.Apr 26, 2018

Full Answer

Who gets paid more lawyer or Doctor?

At first glance, it seems easy to determine that a medical doctor is paid much more than a lawyer. The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives median salaries for both doctors and lawyers, so it's clear that the doctors' number is higher.

What is the difference between a physician and a lawyer?

A physician, who knowingly cuts into a perfectly healthy patient (motivated by profit), is devoid of moral character which places value on human life. A lawyer, who doesn't uphold the laws of the jurisdiction in which s/he practices law, has no moral character which places value on truth (or human life).

How much do law firms pay their lawyers?

The more prestigious a law firm is, the more they pay their lawyers. In 2016, New-York-City-based law firm Cravath, Swaine and Moore made headlines by raising its first-year lawyers' salaries by $20,000 to $180,000.

Which doctors earn the highest salaries in America?

As a general rule, doctors earn the highest salaries in the country. Anesthesiologists are the top earners with an annual mean wage of $232,800, while surgeons are in second place with $230,540.

Lawyer or Doctor – How to Become One?

A person aspiring to be a lawyer must have good analytical skills, research skills, speaking skills, problem-solving skills and writing skills.

Which Is A Better Career Option – Lawyer or Doctor?

If you consider all the expenses and the amount you will be earning after completing the course, being a lawyer does seem to be a better option. The course will end in three years, and you spend less in comparison to medical school and start earning much early.

Is law school an easy choice?

Others might not be scientifically minded at all, but they enjoy the law, and so law school is an easy choice. But for some individuals, they might have an affinity for both. They might reasonably have the ability to be a good doctor or a good lawyer.

Is medical school easy?

There is something about medical or law school that attracts many individuals to contemplate one career or the other. Obviously, the decision is relatively easy for many individuals. Some are scientifically or medically minded such that medical school is the easy choice. Others might not be scientifically minded at all, but they enjoy the law, ...

Is student loan debt a problem for law school graduates?

They might not have looked at the data on average salaries before making this decision. Student loan debt is also another significant issue for law school graduates.

Salaries for Doctors

As a general rule, doctors earn the highest salaries in the country. Anesthesiologists are the top earners with an annual mean wage of $232,800, while surgeons are in second place with $230,540. Obstetricians and gynecologists make $216,760, while oral and maxillofacial surgeons are the highest paid dental surgeons at $216,440.

Salaries for Engineers

At $147,470, petroleum engineers are the highest paid engineers, ranking 16th out of the top twenty highest salaries. However, they are the only engineers in the top twenty. Nuclear engineers are a distant second with $107,140, while aerospace engineers are the third highest engineering specialists, earning $104,810 annually.

Salaries for Lawyers

Lawyers barely made the list of the top twenty salaries in the country. At $130,880, they were in 19th place. They are paid less than most doctors, but more than all of the engineers – except petroleum engineers.

Educational Requirements

The educational requirement for doctors is a medical degree and three to eight years of residencies and internships, depending on the specialty area. Lawyers must complete three years of law school to earn a Juris Doctor (J.D.). Engineers need a bachelor’s degree in their specialty area.

Job Outlook

The BLS projects a 24-percent increase in demand for physicians and surgeons through 2020, which is faster than the 14-percent average growth rate predicted for other U.S. occupations. However, the demand for lawyers is only projected to increase by 10 percent through 2020. The job outlook for engineers varies by specialty.

What is the difference between a lawyer and a physician?

A physician , who knowingly cuts into a perfectly healthy patient (motivated by profit), is devoid of moral character which places value on human life. A lawyer, who doesn't uphold the laws of the jurisdiction in which s/he practices law, has no moral character which places value on truth (or human life).

What makes a good doctor?

That being said, someone who does well in the sciences will probably make a good doctor because the same traits will make you successful at either - a good memory, ability to focus, attention to detail, an analytical way of approaching problems. The road to becoming a doctor or lawyer is very long.

Why do lawyers save their life?

Because doctors save a person’s life but, lawyers save his life along with prestige. Because prestige is everything for an Individual and without this, no one can survive in this present society. The society expects more from a prestigious individual. So, lawyers save such a thing with their skill.

Is medicine a respected profession?

Continue Reading. Medicine is a respected profession, Law not so much. Doctors make more money, unless you’re a real shyster/lawyer, but a lot of doctors can still cheat the government with fake billings. Hillary did pretty good with Whitewater though. If you’re into math, be a doctor not a lawyer.

Do doctors out-earn attorneys?

In general, the average doctor is going to greatly out-earn the average attorney. However, if you manage to get a sweet gig was a chief legal officer for a major company, you will greatly out earn a highly-paid doctor. Or if you are on a legal team that wins a high profile product liability lawsuit.

Is it better to be a lawyer or a doctor?

The work hours are long and stressful, but for the right person, also very rewarding. If your goal is to maximize your income, becoming a doctor or lawyer is probably not the best option.

Can an advocate become a doctor?

It depends on your wish, that is, if you want to get in contact with the public, Absolutely you can study law. Or else if you want to treat for diseases and save the life of the needy, you can become a doctor. Justin Drach.

What is an attorney at law?

An attorney at law or (trial lawyer) is a practicing lawyer who counsels and represents their clients and legal rights in both civil and criminal cases. Attorneys at law are most commonly trial lawyers, where they'll assist clients in pre-trial counsel, prepare legal documents and pleadings and even appear in court to represent their clients.

What is the job of a corporate attorney?

They are responsible for drafting legal documents, structuring transactions, negotiating business deals and ensuring agreement provisions, policies and legal compliance are unambiguous and consistent. Corporate attorneys are typically the legal professionals that ensure companies' operations are in compliance with related laws and regulations and that the implementation of certain business practices are within legal parameters and won't cause legal issues in the future.

What does a patent attorney do?

Primary duties: Patent attorneys deal with similar cases as IP lawyers and paralegals do, however, patent attorneys deal specifically with the processes and legal implications surrounding patenting intellectual property. Typically, patent attorneys help inventors prepare, file and submit their patent applications. If another individual or entity tries to infringe upon a patent attorney's client's patent, the attorney assists the client in raising a lawsuit against them.

What are the duties of a civil litigation attorney?

Litigation attorneys will meet with and collect information and documentation from clients, whether plaintiffs or defendants. They'll also work with clients to prepare court and trial documents, draft pleadings and enter pleas. In serious cases, litigation attorneys may also appear in court to testify on behalf of their clients.

What is an employment law associate?

Employment law associates, or employment and labor lawyers, work with both employers and employees to provide support and counsel on the state and federal employment laws. These attorneys typically help employers ensure their workplaces are in compliance with these employment laws and that all employees are treated fairly and consistently. Additionally, employment lawyers will commonly represent employees in discrimination cases.

What is the job of a bankruptcy paralegal?

Primary duties: Bankruptcy paralegals and attorneys frequently work in public agencies, corporations and lending institutions where they prepare and file proofs of claims on behalf of their clients. These paralegals must understand financial laws and regulations regarding bankruptcy claims and they provide direct support to practicing attorneys in the preparation of financial documents, claim applications and additional documents their clients will need in a bankruptcy case.

What is the job of a personal injury paralegal?

Primary duties: Personal injury paralegals work with practicing attorneys in much the same way as litigation paralegals. They'll typically help prepare legal documents for personal injury cases involving either the plaintiff or the defendant. Personal injury paralegals will work under the supervision of a lawyer, where they'll commonly interview clients, gather medical records, collect insurance information and documents from defendants and assist in organizing and preparing settlement demands.

Does Medical Doctor earn more than a Lawyer?

Yes, Doctors do earn more than Lawyers. The median wage of a Doctor is $208,000 compared to a Lawyer $126,930 per annum.

Does Medical Doctor earn more than an Accountant?

Yes, Doctors do earn more than Accountant. The median wage of a Doctor is $208,000 compared to an Accountant $73,560 per annum

Does a Lawyer earn more than an Accountant?

Yes, Lawyers do earn more than Accountants. The median wage of a Lawyer is $126,930 compared to Accountant $73,560 per annum.

Final Thoughts

While statistically, Doctors earn more than Lawyers and Accountants, that doesn’t mean that’s the median wage you can expect to earn through your whole career.