Lawyer Hourly Pay in Amherst, MA: $61.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Amherst, MA runs $61.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,605 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Amherst's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,557 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Amherst, Massachusetts, the lawyer hourly pay is projected to be $61.34 for 2026, which contrasts with the national hourly median of $80.37. This difference suggests that lawyers in this area might find their earning potential limited compared to their national counterparts. For those considering part-time or per-diem roles—often working three days a week—this hourly figure translates to a unique situation, especially in settings such as law firms or courtrooms. With hourly rates ranging from $35.59 for entry-level positions to about $95.09 for top earners, the landscape illustrates a significant variance based on experience and specialization. It’s crucial to note that these hourly rates are estimated from annual salary data, reflecting the realities encountered by legal practitioners in Amherst.
About the Amherst Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($182,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35.59 | $284.70 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.17 | $353.38 |
| Median (P50) | $61.34 | $490.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.52 | $628.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.09 | $760.71 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Amherst
Based on $61.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.34/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Amherst, MA can expect to earn approximately $127,595 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,612. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Amherst.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Amherst
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,453.75 | $10,633 | $127,595 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,472.25 | $6,380 | $76,557 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $981.50 | $4,253 | $51,038 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Amherst) | $61.34 |
| 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 Amherst, MA earn a median of $127,605 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.67% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 0.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $128,764.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.34/hr = $76,557/year (purchasing power: $70,559).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $127,595/year (purchasing power: $117,599).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$45.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Amherst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.49/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $94.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $64.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Amherst grew 29.9% from $45.12/hr (2019) to $58.59/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $64.23/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 Amherst 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 Amherst
A part-time lawyer working just 24 hours a week in Amherst could expect their yearly earnings to differ substantially from those of full-time counterparts. While they would take home significantly less annually, many choose such paths for flexibility and work-life balance that larger firms may not provide. For those pursuing per diem opportunities, hours billed can range widely: entry-level contract work often pays between $25-$50, whereas more experienced or specialized lawyers can command fees of $200 to $500 per hour. In examining various employer types, it becomes evident that BigLaw firms typically offer higher pay but come with the expectation of grueling workloads, while government roles and public interest positions often trade lower pay for stability and benefits. Thus, individuals must carefully weigh these trade-offs when considering their employment options in the legal field. For lawyers negotiating hourly pay in Amherst, understanding market demand and local salary benchmarks becomes essential for advocating effectively for their worth.
More salary data for Amherst, MA:
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 Amherst. 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 Amherst 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