Lawyer Hourly Pay in Scarborough, ME: $76.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Scarborough, ME runs $76.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $158,862 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Scarborough's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $76.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $95,321 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Legal professionals in Scarborough, ME, can expect a competitive lawyer hourly rate of $76.38 in 2026, which falls slightly below the national median of $80.37. This difference reflects the overall economic environment and the cost of living in Maine, which sits below the national average at a cost index of 99.6. For those interested in part-time roles, especially working three days a week, this hourly wage can still provide a substantial income, allowing for flexible work while pursuing legal practice in various environments like law firm partner offices or government attorney cubicles. Scarborough offers a pay scale range from approximately $44.30 for entry-level positions to $118.38 for top earners, making it attractive for both emerging lawyers and seasoned practitioners seeking consultancy roles.
About the Scarborough Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($120,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44.30 | $354.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54.99 | $439.91 |
| Median (P50) | $76.38 | $611.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $97.76 | $782.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $118.38 | $947.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scarborough
Based on $76.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $76.38/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scarborough, ME can expect to earn approximately $158,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $91,654. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scarborough.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scarborough
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,055.15 | $13,239 | $158,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,833.09 | $7,943 | $95,321 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,222.06 | $5,296 | $63,547 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Scarborough) | $76.38 |
| 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 Scarborough, ME earn a median of $158,862 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.97% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 4.60% below the Maine state average of $166,522.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $76.38/hr = $95,321/year (purchasing power: $95,703).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $158,868/year (purchasing power: $159,506).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$56.18/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$72.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$76.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Scarborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56.18/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $57.99/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $58.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $62.02/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $66.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $54.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $72.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $76.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79.97/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Scarborough grew 29.9% from $56.18/hr (2019) to $72.95/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $79.97/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 Scarborough 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 Scarborough
Examining the financial viability of part-time work, a lawyer working 24 hours a week would take home about $59,732 annually, significantly less than full-time counterparts, yet still a reasonable wage for those prioritizing work-life balance. On the other hand, per diem lawyer pay in Scarborough can vary widely. While contract attorneys or new law school graduates may only command $25-$50 per hour, established attorneys working on 1099 arrangements can charge between $200-$500 per hour. Certain specialties, such as consulting or expert witness services, may demand fees upwards of $400-$800 per hour. It's crucial to recognize how hourly rates shift based on employer type in Scarborough. BigLaw firms may offer higher rates, but smaller firms and government roles often balance pay with better job stability or benefits packages. Negotiating effectively is key; understanding local market rates can empower lawyers, whether they seek standard employment or freelance opportunities, to maximize their hourly earning potential.
More salary data for Scarborough, ME:
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 Scarborough. 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 Scarborough 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