Well to determine a lawyer's pay you need to first decide what kind of a lawyer you are talking about. Here is some information on several lawyer jobs each with different pay ranges...
Attorney I Salaries
Prepares and examines contracts involving leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, etc. Provides legal advice to an organization, prepares resolutions and forms, and participates in major legal actions. Responsible for foreseeing and protecting company against legal risks. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with 0-3 years of experience. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on limited experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.
Alternate Job Titles: Attorney I, Lawyer I, Entry Level Attorney

The median expected salary for a typical Attorney I in the United States is $79,762.
Attorney II Salaries
Prepares and examines contracts involving leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, etc. Provides legal advice to an organization, prepares resolutions and forms, and participates in major legal actions. Responsible for foreseeing and protecting the company against legal risks. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with 2-5 years of experience and admitted into the state bar. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Alternate Job Titles: Attorney II, Lawyer II, Intermediate Level Attorney

The median expected salary for a typical Attorney II in the United States is $108,410.
Attorney III Salaries
Prepares and examines contracts involving leases, licenses, purchases, sales, insurance, etc. Provides legal advice to an organization, prepares resolutions and forms, and participates in major legal actions. Responsible for foreseeing and protecting the company against legal risks. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with 5-8 years of experience and admitted into the state bar. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on extensive experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. May lead and direct the work of others. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected.
Alternate Job Titles: Attorney III, Lawyer III, Senior Attorney

The median expected salary for a typical Attorney III in the United States is $145,826.
Real Estate Attorney Salaries
Handles all real estate related legal issues, including transfers of titles and deeds, construction, mortgage concerns, and zoning. Provides legal advice to an organization, prepares resolutions and forms, and participates in major legal actions. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school with 2-5 years of experience and admitted into the state bar. Familiar with a variety of the field's concepts, practices, and procedures. Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. A wide degree of creativity and latitude is expected. Typically reports to the top legal executive/general counsel.
Alternate Job Titles: Real Estate Attorney, Attorney - Property, Attorney - Real Estate, Lawyer - Property, Lawyer - Real Estate, Property Attorney, Property Lawyer, Real Estate Lawyer

The median expected salary for a typical Real Estate Attorney in the United States is $120,029.
Judge/Magistrate Salaries
Oversees legal process and ensures that court rules and proceedings are adhered to. Upholds laws. Must be a graduate of an accredited law school. Most states require prior experience as a lawyer.
Alternate Job Titles: Judge/Magistrate, Justice

The median expected salary for a typical Judge/Magistrate in the United States is $150,591.