Lawyer Hourly Pay in Bloomington, IL: $62.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Bloomington, IL runs $62.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $129,933 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.5, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.78 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $77,955 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bloomington, Illinois, the projected median hourly pay for lawyers in 2026 is set at $62.46, which falls well below the national hourly median of $80.37. This rate is significant for legal professionals considering part-time positions or per-diem work in various settings, including law firm offices, courtrooms, and corporate legal departments. For those working part-time, like a lawyer committed to three days a week, a typical schedule might yield substantial earnings despite the decreased hours. Entry-level attorneys can expect hourly rates starting at $19.47, while experienced top earners could potentially command up to $142.30, illustrating a wide gap in pay that reflects varying levels of experience and specialization within the profession.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.47 | $155.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39.98 | $319.88 |
| Median (P50) | $62.46 | $499.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.00 | $695.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $142.30 | $1138.38 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $62.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.46/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, IL can expect to earn approximately $129,925 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $74,957. With a cost-of-living index of 93.54 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,498.56 | $10,827 | $129,925 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,499.14 | $6,496 | $77,955 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $999.42 | $4,331 | $51,970 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Bloomington) | $62.46 |
| 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 Bloomington, IL earn a median of $129,933 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.28% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 2.30% below the Illinois state average of $132,992.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.46/hr = $77,955/year (purchasing power: $83,341).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $129,925/year (purchasing power: $138,902).
CoL index: 93.537 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$38.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$59.66/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+70.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $41.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $51.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $60.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $59.66/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.40/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Bloomington grew 55.1% from $38.46/hr (2019) to $59.66/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.40/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
Examining the financial landscape of legal work in Bloomington reveals a complex picture of earning opportunities for lawyers. A lawyer working part-time at 24 hours a week can expect annual earnings significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, which can create a challenging financial reality. Many lawyers may engage in per-diem or locum work, often billing between $25 and $50 per hour for contract roles, while established attorneys in 1099-of-counsel arrangements typically charge rates of $200 to $500 per hour. Additionally, expert witness roles can command even higher fees, reaching $400 to $800 per hour. Compensation varies depending on the type of employer, with BigLaw firms often offering higher rates in exchange for intense workloads, while smaller firms and public sector positions typically provide lower hourly rates but may offer benefits that are appealing. Engaging in effective negotiation can be crucial; understanding the local market and articulating both immediate needs and long-term career goals can help attorneys build a sustainable practice in Bloomington.
More salary data for Bloomington, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for lawyers in Bloomington in 2026?
How much do part-time lawyers make in Bloomington?
Are lawyers in Bloomington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time lawyer make per year in Bloomington?
Do lawyers earn more per hour working part-time in Bloomington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Bloomington. 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