Lawyer Hourly Pay in Bettendorf, IA: $60.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Bettendorf, IA runs $60.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Bettendorf's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $66.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,551 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bettendorf, Iowa, the lawyer hourly pay is projected to be $60.54 in 2026, which is quite a bit lower than the national median of $80.37. For the legal profession in this area, this median hourly rate can influence those working part-time or per-diem, where a three-day workweek might yield around $72,648 annually—sufficient for many lawyers but less than full-time counterparts. The hourly range for lawyers in Bettendorf spans significantly from $35.12 for entry-level positions to as much as $93.83 for top earners, reflecting various factors including experience and the specific type of legal practice. It’s important to remember that these hourly estimates are derived from annual salary figures, giving context to how earnings can fluctuate while lawyers engage in duties at law firm partner offices, courtrooms, or even from the comfort of a home office.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.12 | $280.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.59 | $348.69 |
| Median (P50) | $60.54 | $484.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.49 | $619.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.83 | $750.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bettendorf
Based on $60.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.54/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bettendorf, IA can expect to earn approximately $125,918 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,645. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bettendorf.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bettendorf
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,421.50 | $10,493 | $125,918 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,452.90 | $6,296 | $75,551 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $968.60 | $4,197 | $50,367 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Bettendorf) | $60.54 |
| 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 Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $125,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.68% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $131,853.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.54/hr = $75,551/year (purchasing power: $83,574).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,918/year (purchasing power: $139,290).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $49.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Bettendorf grew 29.9% from $44.53/hr (2019) to $57.82/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.38/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 Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf
Exploring the part-time potential for a lawyer working 24 hours a week reveals a stark contrast to the full-time equivalent. While a traditional full-time role might yield earnings reflective of the attorney’s full capacity, part-time attorneys often balance their careers with opportunities in per-diem positions or contract work. These arrangements can vary significantly, with per diem lawyer pay in Bettendorf typically falling within a range of $25 to $50 per hour for roles like document review, whereas more seasoned attorneys in 1099 of-counsel roles might charge $200 to $500 per hour. The benchmark shifts even higher for expert testimony or consulting work, where rates can escalate to $400 to $800 per hour. Earnings strategies vary between different firms and sectors; large firms may pay premium rates but often demand long hours, while government roles provide stability but at lower pay. Ultimately, many lawyers consider the benefits of health insurance in their final compensation package, balancing hourly pay against benefits offered in certain positions. Potential hires should negotiate based on their needs and the specific legal market conditions in Bettendorf.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
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 Bettendorf. 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 Bettendorf 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