Law & Government Careers
Advocate, govern, protect. Law and government careers shape society.
Law and government careers encompass attorneys, judges, policy analysts, diplomats, and public administrators. These careers require strong reasoning, communication, and ethical judgment. While the path is often long, the impact on society is profound.
All Law & Government Careers
Firefighters
Firefighters play a vital role in the US economy, with 345K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $59,530, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Correctional officers and bailiffs
Correctional officers and bailiffs play a vital role in the US economy, with 407K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $57,950, with projected growth of -7% through 2034 (Decline).
Lawyer / Attorney
Lawyers advise and represent individuals, businesses, and government agencies on legal issues and disputes. They research legal precedents, draft documents, and argue cases in court.
Police and detectives
Police and detectives play a vital role in the US economy, with 827K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $77,270, with projected growth of 3% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Fire inspectors
Fire inspectors play a vital role in the US economy, with 18K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $75,480, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers
Security guards and gambling surveillance officers play a vital role in the US economy, with 1.3 million professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $38,390, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Private detectives and investigators
Private detectives and investigators play a vital role in the US economy, with 44K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $52,370, with projected growth of 6% through 2034 (Faster than average).
Judges and hearing officers
Judges and hearing officers play a vital role in the US economy, with 45K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $135,160, with projected growth of 1% through 2034 (Slower than average).
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators play a vital role in the US economy, with 9K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $67,710, with projected growth of 4% through 2034 (As fast as average).
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners
Court reporters and simultaneous captioners play a vital role in the US economy, with 18K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $67,310, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Paralegals and legal assistants
Paralegals and legal assistants play a vital role in the US economy, with 376K professionals employed nationwide. The median annual salary is $61,010, with projected growth of 0% through 2034 (Little or no change).
Recommended AP Courses for Law & Government
These AP courses are most frequently connected to Law & Government careers. Taking them in high school gives you a head start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the highest-paying careers in Law & Government?
The highest-paying Law & Government careers include Lawyer / Attorney ($145,760), Judges and hearing officers ($135,160), Police and detectives ($77,270). The average salary across all Law & Government careers on PathLeap is $76,176.
Which Law & Government careers are safest from AI?
The most AI-resilient Law & Government careers include Firefighters (AI risk: 30/100), Correctional officers and bailiffs (AI risk: 30/100), Lawyer / Attorney (AI risk: 38/100). These careers involve skills that are harder for AI to replicate.
What AP courses should I take for Law & Government?
The most recommended AP courses for Law & Government careers are AP English Language and Composition, AP United States Government and Politics, AP United States History. These courses build foundational skills valued in Law & Government.
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