Lawyer Hourly Pay in Boise, ID: $52.77 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Boise, ID runs $52.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $109,753 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Boise's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $55.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $65,855 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median hourly rate for lawyers in Boise, Idaho, is $52.77, which significantly trails behind the national median of $80.37. This disparity means that professionals practicing part-time, such as those who work three days a week, might face challenges as they balance their schedules across law firm partners' offices, courtrooms, and hybrid contract work. The hourly earnings can vary widely, with entry-level positions starting at approximately $30.60 while highly experienced attorneys can command rates up to $81.79. It's crucial to note that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, and the hourly rates reflect not only the market demand but also the cost of living in Boise, which remains below the national average.
About the Boise Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.60 | $244.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38.00 | $303.97 |
| Median (P50) | $52.77 | $422.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67.54 | $540.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81.79 | $654.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boise
Based on $52.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $52.77/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boise, ID can expect to earn approximately $109,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $63,323. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,110.75 | $9,147 | $109,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,266.45 | $5,488 | $65,855 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $844.30 | $3,659 | $43,904 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Boise) | $52.77 |
| 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 Boise, ID earn a median of $109,753 per year (2026 est.), which is 34.35% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 3.70% above the Idaho state average of $105,837.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $52.77/hr = $65,855/year (purchasing power: $69,103).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $109,759/year (purchasing power: $115,172).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$50.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$52.77/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Boise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $40.40/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $46.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $50.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Boise grew 29.9% from $38.81/hr (2019) to $50.40/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $55.25/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 Boise 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 Boise
The potential earnings for lawyers in Boise differ significantly based on their employment structure and responsibilities. A part-time lawyer working eight hours a day for three days each week could expect an annual income that's considerably lower than their full-time counterparts—highlighting the importance of understanding one's work-life balance. Per-diem lawyers often see hourly rates varying from $25 to $50, reflecting lower-end contract work, while more seasoned professionals in flexible roles or trusted positions at established firms might bill between $200 and $500 per hour. In-house legal departments usually offer more reliable hours with potentially slower salary growth, while public sector legal roles still provide fulfilling work but typically come with lower pay. Lawyers should be strategic in negotiations, weighing the trade-offs between higher hourly rates without benefits and the stability that comes with full-time positions offering health insurance. Being informed about Boise's legal job market dynamics can help legal professionals position themselves effectively based on their career ambitions and lifestyle preferences.
More salary data for Boise, ID:
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 Boise. 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 Boise 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