Lawyer Hourly Pay in Benton, AR: $45.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Benton, AR runs $45.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $95,083 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Benton's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $52.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $57,049 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Benton, Arkansas, the projected median hourly rate for lawyers in 2026 is $45.71, substantially lower than the national median of $80.37. This rate indicates that legal professionals in Benton may face distinct challenges regarding compensation, which can influence their work settings. For part-time lawyers working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a less lucrative income than their full-time counterparts. The hourly pay range offers a spectrum, starting from $26.51 for entry-level positions up to $70.85 for the highest earners. While these figures stem from annual salary data estimates, they reflect the realities of various practice settings, including law firm partners, public interest work, and evolving trends toward remote or hybrid contract work.
About the Benton Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($112,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.51 | $212.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.92 | $263.34 |
| Median (P50) | $45.71 | $365.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58.52 | $468.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70.85 | $566.80 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Benton
Based on $45.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $45.71/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Benton, AR can expect to earn approximately $95,081 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $54,854. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Benton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Benton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,828.48 | $7,923 | $95,081 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,097.09 | $4,754 | $57,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $731.39 | $3,169 | $38,032 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Benton) | $45.71 |
| Paralegal (National Avg) | $29.95 |
| Judge / Magistrate (National Avg) | $68.41 |
| Arbitrator / Mediator (National Avg) | $38.60 |
| Court Reporter (National Avg) | $30.10 |
Lawyers in Benton, AR earn a median of $95,083 per year (2026 est.), which is 43.12% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 2.00% below the Arkansas state average of $97,024.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $45.71/hr = $57,049/year (purchasing power: $65,649).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $95,081/year (purchasing power: $109,414).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$33.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$43.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$45.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Benton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $34.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $37.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $39.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $43.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $45.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Benton grew 29.9% from $33.62/hr (2019) to $43.66/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $47.86/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem lawyers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Benton metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 4.70% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Lawyer in Benton
When evaluating part-time earnings in Benton, a lawyer working a standard schedule of 24 hours a week could take home about $57,056 annually, which is a significant drop compared to full-time earnings. Per diem or contract work in the legal field often falls within a much lower range, with positions typically billing at rates between $25-$50 per hour. For experienced attorneys engaging in 1099 arrangements, hourly rates can spike, with fees reaching anywhere from $200 to $500 for established attorneys. Different types of legal employers, from BigLaw firms to small boutique practices and government entities, also create a disparity in hourly rates. While some lawyers opt for slightly lower hourly pay to receive benefits like health insurance, others may choose flexible arrangements that offer higher pay without such perks. For those negotiating rates in Benton, understanding the nuances of local market rates and being prepared to discuss value-added services can enhance bargaining power significantly.
More salary data for Benton, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Alexandra Chen, JD
Career Analyst
Alexandra has 10 years of experience in corporate law. She specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Alexandra works at a mid-sized law firm in New York City.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 4.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for lawyers in Benton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Benton is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.70%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for lawyers (SOC 23-1011).
Compiled and verified by Alexandra Chen, JD, a licensed lawyer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov