Barristers and judges vs Solicitors and lawyers Salary (2025)

How do Barristers and judges and Solicitors and lawyers salaries compare in the UK? Here is a detailed side-by-side breakdown.

Solicitors and lawyers earns £1,346 more per year (3% higher)

Barristers and judges

£53,657
per year
vs

Solicitors and lawyers

£55,003
per year

Detailed Comparison

MetricBarristers and judgesSolicitors and lawyersDifference
Median Annual£53,657£55,003-£1,346
Mean Annual£61,906£66,660-£4,754
Monthly£4,471£4,584-£113
Weekly£1,032£1,058-£26
Hourly£25.80£26.44-£0.64

Salary Range Comparison

PercentileBarristers and judgesSolicitors and lawyers
10th (Entry)£21,879£28,803
25th£31,204£39,218
50th (Median)£53,657£55,003
75th£71,492£75,395
90th (Senior)£0£0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Who earns more, a Barristers and judges or a Solicitors and lawyers?
A Solicitors and lawyers earns more. The median salary for a Barristers and judges is £53,657, whilst a Solicitors and lawyers earns £55,003 — a difference of £1,346 per year.
What is the salary difference between a Barristers and judges and a Solicitors and lawyers?
The difference is £1,346 per year. Solicitors and lawyers is the higher-paid role.
Should I become a Barristers and judges or a Solicitors and lawyers?
From a salary perspective, Solicitors and lawyers offers higher median pay. However, career choice depends on many factors including interests, qualifications, work-life balance and long-term prospects.

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