Lawyer Hourly Pay in Fort Dodge, IA: $58.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Fort Dodge, IA runs $58.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $120,984 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Fort Dodge's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $64.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $72,585 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fort Dodge, IA, the prevailing lawyer hourly pay stands at $58.16, which is significantly lower than the national median of $80.37. This disparity can shape the decision-making process for professionals considering part-time roles in the legal sector. For instance, a lawyer working three days a week may find that their income does not align with the full-time potential seen nationally, reflecting not only on their lifestyle choices but also on the types of engagements they pursue. The hourly pay range in this region varies drastically, with entry-level positions starting around $33.73 and experienced lawyers capable of commanding rates close to $90.16, making employment at various types of legal practices a unique experience depending on one's experience and specialization. Whether in law firm offices, courtrooms, or corporate settings, the hourly structure of pay grants a flexible approach to working arrangements.
About the Fort Dodge 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) | $33.73 | $269.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41.88 | $335.04 |
| Median (P50) | $58.16 | $465.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74.45 | $595.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90.16 | $721.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Dodge
Based on $58.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.16/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Dodge, IA can expect to earn approximately $120,975 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $69,793. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fort Dodge.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Dodge
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,326.43 | $10,081 | $120,975 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,395.86 | $6,049 | $72,585 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $930.57 | $4,032 | $48,390 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Fort Dodge) | $58.16 |
| 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 Fort Dodge, IA earn a median of $120,984 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.63% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 8.20% below the Iowa state average of $131,791.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.16/hr = $72,585/year (purchasing power: $80,293).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $120,975/year (purchasing power: $133,821).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.78/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Fort Dodge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.78/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $44.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $44.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60.89/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Fort Dodge grew 29.9% from $42.78/hr (2019) to $55.55/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $60.89/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 Fort Dodge 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 Fort Dodge
Hourly compensation in Fort Dodge reveals different opportunities based on practice type and employment arrangement. For those working part-time at 24 hours weekly, their annual income can be less than half that of full-time practitioners, primarily narrowing their options in housing and lifestyle choices. Per diem arrangements in the region may yield a low-end rate of $25-$50 for basic contract work, while those in 1099 roles often see billing rates rise significantly, from $200 to $500 for established lawyers and even hitting $400 to $800 for expert witness engagements. Meanwhile, the choice of employer can fundamentally impact pay; larger BigLaw firms may offer robust benefits packages at lower hourly rates, whereas solo practitioners and small firms might present higher pay without benefits. Negotiating compensation in Fort Dodge requires an astute understanding of market conditions and the individual's value proposition, particularly when balancing the trade-offs between hourly rates and comprehensive employment benefits.
More salary data for Fort Dodge, 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 Fort Dodge. 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 Fort Dodge 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