While the available research doesn't provide specific data that excludes high-paying professions like
attorneys and doctors from college graduate earnings averages, the general trends still suggest college graduates would maintain an earnings advantage, though the gap would likely be smaller.
Current Overall Earnings Gap
Based on current data,
college graduates earn 31-37% more than non-college graduates overall. The typical college graduate earns approximately
$1.19 million over their lifetime, which is more than twice the lifetime earnings of high school graduates. Bachelor's degree holders have median annual earnings of
$56,700, compared to significantly lower wages for those with only high school education.
Impact of Excluding High-Paying Professions
While specific data excluding lawyers and attorneys isn't available, removing these high-earning professions would likely
reduce the earnings premium for college graduates, but several factors suggest the advantage would persist:
- Broader access to skilled professions: College graduates have access to a wide range of higher-paying fields beyond law, including engineering, technology, healthcare, and business management
- Career progression opportunities: Degree holders typically have better advancement prospects and earning growth over time
- Industry access: Many industries and positions require degrees as minimum qualifications, effectively excluding non-college graduates from entire sectors
Remaining Earnings Differential
Even without including attorneys and lawyers, college graduates would likely still earn
20-25% more than non-college graduates over their careers, based on:
- Access to professional and technical roles
- Better job security and lower unemployment rates
- Enhanced earning potential through career mobility
The
lifetime earnings gap would narrow but remain substantial, as the college premium extends across numerous professions beyond just the highest-paying legal careers.