Lawyer Hourly Pay in Chelsea, MA: $61.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Chelsea, MA runs $61.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $127,596 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Chelsea'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 Chelsea, Massachusetts, the lawyer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $61.34 in 2026. This figure falls significantly below the national median of $80.37, reflecting local market conditions. For part-time lawyers working three days a week, this can translate into a sustainable income, especially in a range of typical settings such as law firm offices, courtrooms, and corporate legal departments. The hourly compensation for attorneys in Chelsea spans from approximately $35.58 at the entry level to as high as $95.08 for top earners, indicating a broad spectrum of opportunities. It’s essential to recognize that these hourly rates are inferred from annual salary data, meaning they may fluctuate based on individual firms and specialization areas.
About the Chelsea 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) | $35.58 | $284.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44.17 | $353.38 |
| Median (P50) | $61.34 | $490.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.52 | $628.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95.08 | $760.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelsea
Based on $61.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.34/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelsea, 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 Chelsea.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelsea
| 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 (Chelsea) | $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 Chelsea, MA earn a median of $127,596 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 $128,755.
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 Chelsea (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 | $94.07/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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea 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 Chelsea
Analyzing the part-time earnings potential reveals that a lawyer working a typical 24-hour week could expect to take home around $77,600 annually, which is a fraction of full-time earnings. Many lawyers in Chelsea opt for per diem positions or contract work, which often pays between $25-$50 per hour for doc review tasks, while seasoned contract attorneys can earn significantly more at $200-$500 per hour in established attorney arrangements. Salary negotiation can vary widely across different legal sectors; for instance, lawyers in BigLaw firms may command higher rates due to the rigorous demand for billable hours, while in-house and government positions may offer lower rates but enhance job stability and benefits. As Chelsea's legal market evolves, practitioners must weigh the benefits of health insurance and job security against the allure of higher hourly rates without benefits, positioning themselves strategically in a competitive environment. Understanding local market dynamics can empower attorneys to negotiate effectively and find roles that align with their career ambitions.
More salary data for Chelsea, 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 Chelsea. 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 Chelsea 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