Lawyer Hourly Pay in Cedar Falls, IA: $65.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Cedar Falls, IA runs $65.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $135,344 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Cedar Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $81,209 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cedar Falls, the median lawyer hourly pay stands at $65.07, which is notably lower than the national median of $80.37. This divergence in hourly rates offers insights for those contemplating part-time and per-diem roles in the legal profession. With a typical work schedule of three days a week, part-time lawyers can find themselves addressing client needs in law offices, courtrooms, or even conducting meetings remotely. The hourly range for lawyers in Cedar Falls varies, with lower-tier positions earning approximately $37.74 an hour and seasoned practitioners commanding rates as high as $100.86. It is essential to recognize that these hourly figures derive from projected annual salaries and reflect the market dynamics specific to the Cedar Falls area.
About the Cedar Falls 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) | $37.74 | $301.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46.85 | $374.83 |
| Median (P50) | $65.07 | $520.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83.29 | $666.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100.86 | $806.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cedar Falls
Based on $65.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $65.07/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cedar Falls, IA can expect to earn approximately $135,348 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $78,085. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cedar Falls.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cedar Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,602.84 | $11,279 | $135,348 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,561.71 | $6,767 | $81,209 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,041.14 | $4,512 | $54,139 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Cedar Falls) | $65.07 |
| 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 Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $135,344 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.04% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 2.70% above the Iowa state average of $131,785.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $65.07/hr = $81,209/year (purchasing power: $89,833).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $135,348/year (purchasing power: $149,721).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$47.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$62.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$65.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $49.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $49.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $52.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $56.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $51.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $62.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68.13/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Cedar Falls grew 29.9% from $47.86/hr (2019) to $62.15/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $68.13/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 Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls
For those considering part-time employment at 24 hours per week, the earnings can significantly differ from a full-time lawyer's salary. While the part-time lawyer might take home a total income reflective of their reduced hours, many find that per-diem or locum work can bring about varied compensation structures. Contract attorneys often bill between $25 and $50 per hour, while more established lawyers may charge rates of $200 to $500 per hour contingent on their expertise and reputation. Employers across Cedar Falls, from solo practitioners to mid-sized firms and government positions, often see hourly rates influenced by the firm type and the specific practice area. Weighing employment decisions can involve trade-offs; some attorneys opt for lower hourly pay with the assurance of benefits like health insurance, while others might seek higher hourly compensation without such perks. Understanding these nuances can be crucial for negotiating fair pay, particularly for hourly roles in the competitive Cedar Falls market.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for lawyers in Cedar Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time lawyers make in Cedar Falls?
Are lawyers in Cedar Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time lawyer make per year in Cedar Falls?
Do lawyers earn more per hour working part-time in Cedar Falls?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Cedar Falls. 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 Cedar Falls 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