FAQ
Law Professor FAQ
Answers to the most common questions about working as a law professor.
Straight answers to the questions people ask most about becoming a law professor: pay, training time, degrees, certifications and whether it’s a good career.
9 questions about law professors
Do law professors need a Ph.D.?
Not usually; a J.D. is the main degree, though some have Ph.D.s.
Do law professors practice law?
Clinical faculty often do; others may consult.
Is hiring competitive?
Very.
How much does a law professor make?
The median annual wage for law professors was $128,500 in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $64,250 and the highest 10% earned more than $287,900.
How long does it take to become a law professor?
Most people need about 7+ years after high school plus experience of training. A Juris Doctor (J.D.) is required, often with strong grades, clerkships, practice experience or a Ph.D.
Do you need a degree to be a law professor?
Yes. Law professors need a J.D., a professional doctorate, and law schools usually look for clerkships, practice experience or a Ph.D. as well.
Is law professor a good career?
It can be, depending on your goals. Employment is projected to change +2.6% from 2025–35 (about as fast as average), with about 1,800 openings each year. Upsides include high pay for academia; a common challenge is that very competitive hiring.
What skills does a law professor need?
Key technical skills include legal expertise, socratic teaching, legal writing, and legal research. Employers also value public speaking, critical thinking, and mentoring.
What certifications are available for law professors?
Common credentials include J.D., Bar admission, Judicial clerkship, and LL.M. or Ph.D.. Clinical law faculty who represent clients must be admitted to the bar.
Still deciding?
Try the Law Professor fit quiz, compare with Lawyer, or explore Law Professor training.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 25-1112 (Law teachers, postsecondary).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Law teachers, postsecondary (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.