Lawyer Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $69.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Atlanta, GA runs $69.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $144,706 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $69.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $86,827 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Lawyers in Atlanta, Georgia, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $69.57 in 2026. This figure falls below the national median of $80.37/hour, indicating a slight disparity in earnings compared to other regions. For part-time or per-diem lawyers, typically working in varied environments such as law firm partner offices, courtrooms, or corporate legal departments, this could translate to meaningful earnings for a flexible work schedule. Entry-level positions can start at around $29.58/hour, while experienced attorneys can command as much as $165.56/hour, showcasing a broad range of potential compensation in the profession. This BLS data serves as a crucial benchmark for those weighing their options in the legal job market in Atlanta.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.58 | $236.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.90 | $359.16 |
| Median (P50) | $69.57 | $556.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $108.85 | $870.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $165.56 | $1324.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $69.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $69.57/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $144,712 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $83,488. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,782.93 | $12,059 | $144,712 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,669.76 | $7,236 | $86,827 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,113.17 | $4,824 | $57,885 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Atlanta) | $69.57 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $144,706 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.44% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 28.80% above the Georgia state average of $112,349.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $69.57/hr = $86,827/year (purchasing power: $86,777).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $144,712/year (purchasing power: $144,628).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$58.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$66.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$69.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $61.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $67.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $65.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $61.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $66.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Atlanta grew 14.3% from $58.16/hr (2019) to $66.45/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $72.84/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Exploring earning potential further reveals that a lawyer working part-time, say three days a week, can expect markedly different take-home pay compared to full-time counterparts. Assuming a 24-hour workweek, earnings accumulate to $86,393 annually for part-time attorneys, which reflects a stable income while allowing for flexibility. Additionally, the per diem lawyer pay in Atlanta varies significantly; while contract attorneys might bill at the lower end of $25-$50/hour, more established arrangements could command rates between $200-$500/hour for experienced attorneys. The hourly rates also reflect the type of employer: top BigLaw firms offer higher compensation but come with a demanding work culture, while mid-size and boutique firms provide a balance of lifestyle and earnings. For those considering solo practice or nonprofit work, the trade-off may involve accepting lower hourly rates in exchange for job satisfaction and benefits. Negotiation strategies in Atlanta should focus on the multiplicity of roles available, as understanding the market landscape can significantly enhance one's bargaining power in compensation discussions.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
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 Atlanta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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