Lawyer Hourly Pay in Lawrence, MA: $60.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Lawrence, MA runs $60.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $125,586 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Lawrence's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $55.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $75,355 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, lawyers in Lawrence, Massachusetts, can expect a median hourly pay of $60.38, which falls significantly below the national median hourly rate of $80.37. This discrepancy suggests that while Lawrence attorneys may enjoy steady work in local law firms and government positions, their compensation lags behind what many peers earn elsewhere. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a practical and manageable income, especially when weighing the dynamics of juggling caseloads in various settings such as courtrooms, client offices, or remote work environments. The hourly range in Lawrence varies from $35.02 at the entry-level to $93.58 for seasoned professionals, reflecting the diverse career paths available in this legal market.
About the Lawrence 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) | $35.02 | $280.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.47 | $347.77 |
| Median (P50) | $60.38 | $483.04 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77.28 | $618.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93.58 | $748.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lawrence
Based on $60.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $60.38/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lawrence, MA can expect to earn approximately $125,591 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $72,457. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lawrence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lawrence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,415.22 | $10,466 | $125,591 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,449.13 | $6,280 | $75,355 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $966.09 | $4,186 | $50,237 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Lawrence) | $60.38 |
| 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 Lawrence, MA earn a median of $125,586 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.88% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 2.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $128,806.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $60.38/hr = $75,355/year (purchasing power: $69,451).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $125,591/year (purchasing power: $115,752).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$57.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$60.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.03/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $52.65/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $92.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $57.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Lawrence grew 29.9% from $44.41/hr (2019) to $57.67/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.22/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 Lawrence 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 Lawrence
Looking beyond the median figures, part-time attorneys working 24 hours a week might take home a notably different annual income compared to a full-time commitment. Contract and per diem opportunities present both lower and higher earning scenarios; while a typical per diem lawyer pay in Lawrence may range widely, positions like document review often pay $25-$50 per hour, whereas experienced attorneys in specialized roles can demand rates as high as $400-$800 per hour. The hourly rates can fluctuate depending on the employment sector, with big firms often offering more generous pay than public defenders or nonprofit positions, which tend to offer essential benefits in lieu of higher wages. Legal professionals considering these options should keep in mind the balance between hourly earnings and benefits, especially when negotiating pay in Lawrence's unique legal market. Understanding the varying rates across different types of law practices can empower lawyers to make more informed career decisions that align with their lifestyle and financial goals.
More salary data for Lawrence, 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 Lawrence. 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 Lawrence 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