Lawyer Hourly Pay in Compton, CA: $83.68 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Compton, CA runs $83.68 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $174,038 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Compton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $73.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $104,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Lawyers in Compton, California, can expect a median hourly pay of $83.68, which is notably higher than the national median of $80.37. This hourly rate, derived from projected annual salaries, reflects the earning potential in various settings, such as law firm offices, courtrooms, and corporate legal departments. For part-time lawyers working three days a week, typically clocking in around 24 hours, the earning capacity is substantial, allowing them to balance their careers with other pursuits or obligations. The hourly rates in Compton range from $48.53 for entry-level positions to a remarkable $129.69 for top earners, highlighting the lucrative potential in this legal market. It's essential to remember that these figures are built on projected estimates based on 2025 BLS data, indicating a healthy job landscape for legal professionals.
About the Compton Market
Salary estimated from California average ($201,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48.53 | $388.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60.24 | $481.96 |
| Median (P50) | $83.68 | $669.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $107.10 | $856.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $129.69 | $1037.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Compton
Based on $83.68/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $83.68/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Compton, CA can expect to earn approximately $174,047 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $100,411. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Compton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Compton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,347.05 | $14,504 | $174,047 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,008.23 | $8,702 | $104,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,338.82 | $5,802 | $69,619 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Compton) | $83.68 |
| 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 Compton, CA earn a median of $174,038 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.11% higher than the national median of $167,174 and 1.00% below the California state average of $175,796.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $83.68/hr = $104,428/year (purchasing power: $92,332).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $174,047/year (purchasing power: $153,887).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$61.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$79.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$83.68/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Compton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $61.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $63.53/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $64.06/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $72.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $108.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $79.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83.68/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $87.61/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Compton grew 29.9% from $61.55/hr (2019) to $79.92/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $87.61/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 Compton 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 Compton
For those considering part-time engagement, a lawyer working three days a week can expect to take home an annual income reflective of their 24-hour workweek, translating into a significantly lower total compared to full-time counterparts. The per diem landscape in Compton reveals that contract work or agency positions typically offer lower pay, around $25 to $50 an hour, while more established attorneys can charge anywhere from $200 to $500 per hour for 1099 arrangements. In contrast, expert witness roles or consulting can command fees between $400 and $800 hourly. Hourly pay also varies widely depending on employer type, with BigLaw firms potentially offering higher rates compared to smaller firms, nonprofits, or government positions, which typically compensate less in exchange for other benefits, such as health insurance. Legal professionals should strategically negotiate their terms, keeping health benefits and workload in mind when considering opportunities in Compton's legal environment.
More salary data for Compton, CA:
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 Compton. 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 Compton 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