Lawyer Hourly Pay in Emporia, KS: $67.45 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Emporia, KS runs $67.45 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $140,290 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Emporia's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $74.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $84,175 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Emporia, Kansas, the lawyer hourly rate stands at $67.45, markedly lower than the national average of $80.37 per hour. This disparity suggests that lawyers in this region, often working in local law firms or government offices, may find themselves experiencing a different economic reality compared to their counterparts in larger metropolitan areas. Part-time lawyers, working three days a week, may take home a moderate income, navigating between entry-level positions earning around $39.12 and experienced professionals commanding over $104.54 per hour. As most of these hourly rates are derived from broader annual salary estimates, understanding the full scope of compensation is crucial for aspiring legal professionals or those contemplating a per-diem setup in Emporia.
About the Emporia Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($118,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.12 | $312.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.56 | $388.48 |
| Median (P50) | $67.45 | $539.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86.34 | $690.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104.54 | $836.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Emporia
Based on $67.45/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $67.45/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Emporia, KS can expect to earn approximately $140,291 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,937. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Emporia.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Emporia
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,697.91 | $11,691 | $140,291 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,618.75 | $7,015 | $84,175 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,079.16 | $4,676 | $56,117 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Emporia) | $67.45 |
| 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 Emporia, KS earn a median of $140,290 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 7.70% below the Kansas state average of $151,993.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $67.45/hr = $84,175/year (purchasing power: $92,602).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $140,291/year (purchasing power: $154,336).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$64.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$67.45/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Emporia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $51.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.77/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.81/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $47.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $64.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67.45/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70.62/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Emporia grew 29.9% from $49.61/hr (2019) to $64.42/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $70.62/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 Emporia 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 Emporia
When examining the earning potential for a lawyer working a part-time schedule, the annual figure becomes revealing. A full-time lawyer's income at an hourly rate significantly enhances their financial standing, but a legal professional who works 24 hours a week may see lower annual earnings yet gain flexibility that some find invaluable. In the realm of contract work, per diem lawyer pay in Emporia varies widely; while basic document review might offer $25-$50 per hour, more seasoned attorneys can find work with hourly rates soaring to $200-$500, particularly when engaged in 1099 arrangements or expert consulting roles. Different employer types yield distinct hourly compensation; BigLaw firms or major corporations may deliver higher rates but often come with demanding billable hour expectations. Conversely, smaller firms or public sector roles provide a more balanced work-life scenario, albeit at competitive costs. Navigating the choices between high hourly wages without benefits or lower rates with health insurance can impact long-term financial planning for those in the field, making negotiation skills paramount in Emporia's legal market.
More salary data for Emporia, KS:
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 Emporia. 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 Emporia 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