Lawyer Hourly Pay in Bedford, NH: $81.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Bedford, NH runs $81.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $168,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $75.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $101,370 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the lawyer hourly pay in Bedford, NH is projected to reach a median of $81.23, which is slightly above the national average of $80.37. This figure not only highlights the competitive pay structure for attorneys within the region but also provides an appealing outlook for part-time and per-diem practitioners. Working three days a week, for instance, would yield a considerable income while providing flexibility, making this profession attractive for those seeking work-life balance. The hourly earnings for lawyers in the area range from $47.11 for entry-level positions to $125.90 for top earners, showing a well-defined pay scale based on experience and field specialization. These hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, ensuring they reflect a realistic compensation framework for various legal settings, including law firms, courtrooms, and corporate environments.
About the Bedford Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($138,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47.11 | $376.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58.49 | $467.88 |
| Median (P50) | $81.23 | $649.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $103.97 | $831.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $125.90 | $1007.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bedford
Based on $81.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $81.23/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bedford, NH can expect to earn approximately $168,951 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $97,472. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $3,249.05 | $14,079 | $168,951 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,949.43 | $8,448 | $101,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,299.62 | $5,632 | $67,580 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Bedford) | $81.23 |
| 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 Bedford, NH earn a median of $168,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.06% higher than the national median of $167,174 and 5.80% below the New Hampshire state average of $179,348.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $81.23/hr = $101,370/year (purchasing power: $94,474).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $168,951/year (purchasing power: $157,456).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$59.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$77.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$81.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $61.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $62.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $65.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $70.82/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $67.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $77.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $81.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85.04/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Bedford grew 29.9% from $59.74/hr (2019) to $77.58/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $85.04/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 Bedford 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 Bedford
Analysis of the local legal market reveals compelling dynamics for those considering part-time positions or per diem engagements. A lawyer working 24 hours per week could expect to bring home a substantial income annually, albeit less than a full-time counterpart. Meanwhile, per diem lawyer pay in Bedford can vary widely; entry-level contract attorneys might earn between $25 and $50 per hour, while established practitioners can charge rates from $200 to $500 as a 1099 of-counsel arrangement. Additionally, expert witnesses and consulting attorneys often find themselves in the top tier, with fees reaching $400 to $800 per hour. Hourly rates can fluctuate significantly depending on the employer type in Bedford, with BigLaw firms offering competitive pay alongside more demanding work hours, while in-house roles may provide better lifestyle options but slower growth in compensation. When negotiating hourly pay, attorneys should weigh their need for benefits against higher hourly rates that may come without additional support.
More salary data for Bedford, NH:
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 Bedford. 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 Bedford 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