Lawyer Hourly Pay in Methuen, MA: $61.04 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Methuen, MA runs $61.04 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $126,958 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Methuen's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $56.26 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $76,178 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Methuen, Massachusetts, the projected median hourly pay for lawyers sits at $61.04 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $80.37 per hour. This difference in hourly rates can significantly impact those considering part-time work or per-diem arrangements, especially in prevalent settings such as law firm offices, courtrooms, and corporate legal departments. Within the local market, entry-level lawyers may begin earning around $35.40 per hour, while top earners could bill as much as $94.61 per hour. These rates are informed by estimates derived from annual salary data, offering insight into the potential earnings across varying legal roles within Methuen.
About the Methuen 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) | $35.40 | $283.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43.94 | $351.54 |
| Median (P50) | $61.04 | $488.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78.13 | $625.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $94.61 | $756.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Methuen
Based on $61.04/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $61.04/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Methuen, MA can expect to earn approximately $126,963 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $73,248. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Methuen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Methuen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,441.60 | $10,580 | $126,963 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,464.96 | $6,348 | $76,178 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $976.64 | $4,232 | $50,785 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Methuen) | $61.04 |
| 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 Methuen, MA earn a median of $126,958 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.06% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $128,761.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $61.04/hr = $76,178/year (purchasing power: $70,210).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $126,963/year (purchasing power: $117,017).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$44.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$58.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$61.04/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $46.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $49.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $53.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $93.60/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $58.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61.04/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63.91/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Methuen grew 29.9% from $44.90/hr (2019) to $58.30/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $63.91/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 Methuen 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 Methuen
A part-time lawyer in Methuen working three days a week, for a total of 24 hours weekly, could expect to earn approximately $76,168 annually compared to their full-time counterparts. Those engaging in per-diem or locum tenens work may find themselves on the lower end of the spectrum, with contracts often billing around $25 to $50 per hour. However, lucrative opportunities exist for 1099 contract attorneys and expert consultants, with rates reaching as high as $800 per hour. Variations in hourly rates are also tied to the type of employer; for instance, positions with government agencies may offer lower compensation compared to BigLaw firms or specialized boutiques, which often offer higher pay but may come with demanding work schedules. Choosing between higher hourly wages and jobs that provide benefits can be a consideration for many lawyers in Methuen, emphasizing the need for strategic negotiation skills tailored to the unique dynamics of the legal market.
More salary data for Methuen, 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 Methuen. 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 Methuen 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