Lawyer / Attorney vs Physician (General Practice): Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Lawyer / Attorney
Advise clients and represent them in legal proceedings.
Physician (General Practice)
Diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions.
Physician (General Practice) earns more on average — the national median is $114,180/year (88%) higher than a Lawyer / Attorney. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Lawyer / Attorney vs Physician (General Practice) — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Lawyer / Attorney | Physician (General Practice) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $193,282 | $363,590 | Lawyer $170,308 |
| New York, NY | $160,319 | $294,372 | Lawyer $134,053 |
| Seattle, WA | $181,889 | $353,641 | Lawyer $171,752 |
| Austin, TX | $143,827 | $272,440 | Lawyer $128,613 |
| Chicago, IL | $139,311 | $255,595 | Lawyer $116,284 |
| Boston, MA | $168,407 | $311,219 | Lawyer $142,812 |
| London, UK | £87,870 | £101,944 | Lawyer $14,074 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$163,998 | CA$294,137 | Lawyer $130,139 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Lawyer / Attorney or Physician (General Practice) earn more?+
A Physician (General Practice) earns more on average. The national median salary for a Lawyer / Attorney is $130,000/year, compared to $244,180/year for a Physician (General Practice) — a difference of $114,180 (88%).
Which has better career growth — Lawyer / Attorney or Physician (General Practice)?+
Lawyer / Attorney roles are growing at 8% YoY while Physician (General Practice) demand is growing at 5% YoY. Lawyer / Attorney has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Lawyer / Attorney to Physician (General Practice)?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in adjacent fields. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Lawyer / Attorney or Physician (General Practice)?+
Physician (General Practice) has a lower AI automation risk (10% vs 22%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.