Earl Wagner graduated from the Salmon P. Chase College of Law and was admitted to the bar in 1930. He began his legal career in Cincinnati, Ohio, and held various roles in both the public and educational sectors. Wagner served as district counsel for the Home Owners' Loan Corporation and as special counsel to the Ohio Attorney General. He also acted as city solicitor for Sharonville, Ohio, and as a board member for the Cincinnati School district. These positions demonstrate a diverse background in law, public service, and education.

Earl Wagner's career reflects a deep-rooted commitment to public service, particularly within legal and educational frameworks. His roles in various capacities suggest a highly localized approach, focusing on community-specific issues. Wagner's strategic silence on specific policy stances hints at an ideologically agile framework, potentially aligning with diverse interests to achieve pragmatic goals. This calculated approach raises questions about the underlying motivations behind his policy alignments.