Lawyer Hourly Pay in Williston, ND: $70.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Williston, ND runs $70.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $146,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Williston's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.0, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,056 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The lawyer hourly pay in Williston, North Dakota, stands at a median rate of $70.56 as of 2026. This figure is noticeably lower than the national median of $80.37. For professionals in the field, this hourly rate translates to varying income potential depending on their work arrangements. Lawyers who opt for part-time roles, such as those working three days a week, can expect to earn a substantial portion of a full-time salary, especially in law firm settings, courtrooms, or through hybrid remote work. The hourly range for legal professionals in Williston varies significantly from $40.93 for entry-level positions to $109.36 for the most experienced attorneys. These numbers reflect the broader context of legal compensation derived from annual salary data, illustrating a landscape where specialization and experience can command higher pay.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($115,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40.93 | $327.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50.80 | $406.40 |
| Median (P50) | $70.56 | $564.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.31 | $722.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.36 | $874.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Williston
Based on $70.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.56/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Williston, ND can expect to earn approximately $146,759 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $84,669. With a cost-of-living index of 92.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Williston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Williston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,822.29 | $12,230 | $146,759 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,693.38 | $7,338 | $88,056 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,128.92 | $4,892 | $58,704 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Williston) | $70.56 |
| 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 Williston, ND earn a median of $146,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.21% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 4.60% below the North Dakota state average of $153,833.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.56/hr = $88,056/year (purchasing power: $95,713).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $146,759/year (purchasing power: $159,521).
CoL index: 92 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$51.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.57/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.29/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73.87/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Williston grew 29.9% from $51.90/hr (2019) to $67.39/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $73.87/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 Williston 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 Williston
The earning potential for part-time lawyers in Williston is compelling, especially when comparing it to full-time counterparts. A lawyer working three days a week and billing 24 hours can still realize a significant income annually, despite working fewer hours. Additionally, per diem lawyer pay in Williston can vary widely; those engaged in document review or contract work may only bill $25 to $50 per hour, while seasoned professionals in 1099 or of-counsel roles often charge between $200 and $500 per hour. In high-stakes consulting or expert witness scenarios, hourly rates can soar to between $400 and $800. Variability persists across employer types, with larger firms typically offering higher pay compared to public defenders or legal aid positions. Some attorneys may prioritize benefits like health insurance over higher hourly wages, influencing their choices regarding where to work. Navigating compensation discussions is vital; lawyers negotiating hourly rates should be prepared to justify their rates based on local market conditions and individual expertise, ensuring alignment with industry standards in Williston, ND.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
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 Williston. 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 Williston 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