Lawyer Hourly Pay in Long Beach, CA: $98.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Long Beach, CA runs $98.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $204,223 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Long Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $86.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $122,538 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median hourly pay of $98.19 for lawyers in Long Beach, California, the profession commands a notable premium compared to the national hourly median of $80.37. This elevated rate reflects California's higher cost of living, particularly in urban areas like Long Beach. For part-time attorneys working three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a substantial income, suggesting strong earning potential even when working fewer hours. Similarly, per-diem lawyers, who may operate in various settings such as law firm partner offices or remote contract drafting work, could find valuable opportunities within the hourly pay range of $56.95 at the lower end to $152.18 at the high end, depending on their specialization and experience level, paving the way for both entry-level and seasoned lawyers to thrive in the legal market.
About the Long Beach 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) | $56.95 | $455.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $70.69 | $565.55 |
| Median (P50) | $98.19 | $785.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125.67 | $1005.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $152.18 | $1217.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Beach
Based on $98.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $98.19/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $204,230 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $117,825. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,927.51 | $17,019 | $204,230 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $2,356.50 | $10,212 | $122,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,571.00 | $6,808 | $81,692 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Long Beach) | $98.19 |
| 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 Long Beach, CA earn a median of $204,223 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.16% higher than the national median of $167,174 and 16.20% above the California state average of $175,751.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $98.19/hr = $122,538/year (purchasing power: $108,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $204,230/year (purchasing power: $180,575).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$72.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$93.78/hr
2026 Current Est.
$98.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Long Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $72.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $74.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $75.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $79.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $85.61/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $115.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $93.78/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $98.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $102.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Long Beach grew 29.9% from $72.22/hr (2019) to $93.78/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $102.80/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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach
Considering the earning dynamics of lawyers in Long Beach reveals the practical implications of hourly pay. A lawyer working 24 hours a week could expect a substantial but different annual income compared to a full-time colleague. Many contract attorneys and locum professionals, typically earning anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, may face challenges competing with established practitioners who bill $200 to $500 per hour for 1099 of-counsel arrangements. This disparity highlights how hourly rates fluctuate significantly based on employer type in the area. Larger firms lead the way in compensation, while public sector positions, such as public defenders or government attorneys, generally offer lower pay but may include benefits. Lawyers may choose lower hourly wages for these roles in exchange for health insurance and greater job stability. For those considering a transition within this market, understanding the local pay structure and carefully negotiating rates becomes paramount for ensuring financial growth and job satisfaction.
More salary data for Long Beach, 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 Long Beach. 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 Long Beach 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