Lawyer Hourly Pay in Parker, CO: $61.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Parker, CO runs $61.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,127 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Parker's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $58.21 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,283 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Parker, Colorado, is projected to be $61.12, significantly lower than the national median of $80.37. This reflects the competitive nature of legal pay in the area, as well as varying demand for legal services. For part-time attorneys working three days a week, this hourly rate equates to an income of approximately $46,000 per year, which is a substantial factor for those considering a more balanced work-life dynamic. Entry-level positions might start at around $35.45 per hour, while experienced attorneys and top earners could see rates as high as $94.73 depending on their firm type and specialization. The insights from these figures indicate that while Parker offers viable earning potential, it lags behind national averages, raising questions for professionals contemplating part-time roles or per-diem work within various environments like law firms, corporate legal departments, and remote settings.
About the Parker Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($152,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.45 | $283.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.01 | $352.04 |
| Median (P50) | $61.12 | $488.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.23 | $625.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.73 | $757.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parker
Based on $61.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.12/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parker, CO can expect to earn approximately $127,138 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,349. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Parker.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parker
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,444.95 | $10,595 | $127,138 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,466.97 | $6,357 | $76,283 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $977.98 | $4,238 | $50,855 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Parker) | $61.12 |
| 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 Parker, CO earn a median of $127,127 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.96% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 0.90% below the Colorado state average of $128,281.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.12/hr = $76,283/year (purchasing power: $72,650).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,138/year (purchasing power: $121,083).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.38/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Parker (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $76.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.38/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.00/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Parker grew 29.9% from $44.96/hr (2019) to $58.38/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.00/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 Parker 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 Parker
When discussing the realities of part-time and per-diem work for lawyers in Parker, the financial potential can vary widely. A 24-hour work week brings in roughly $66,088 annually for those who pursue full-time practice. However, the scenario changes for per-diem lawyers, who typically charge rates significantly lower than their market counterparts; contract attorney roles may start at $25 to $50 per hour, whereas established attorneys working on a 1099 basis can bill between $200 and $500 per hour. On the higher end, expert witnesses can command fees upwards of $400 to $800. The legal market in Parker encompasses a range of employer types—from large law firms to solo practitioners—each with differing compensation structures. While big firms might offer higher pay reflecting a Cravath-scale model, they often come with demanding work hours. Alternatively, government jobs, while offering lower pay, can lead to improved job security and benefits. Understanding the nuances of each role can empower lawyers in Parker to negotiate effectively based on their individual priorities and career aspirations.
More salary data for Parker, CO:
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 Parker. 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 Parker 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