Lawyer Hourly Pay in Aberdeen, SD: $70.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Aberdeen, SD runs $70.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $147,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Aberdeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $76.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $88,461 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aberdeen, South Dakota, the lawyer hourly pay stands at a median of $70.88. This figure is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $80.37, reflecting regional economic conditions. For legal professionals working part-time, such as those logging in around three days a week, this hourly rate translates well into the legal settings typical for the area—be it in law firms, courtrooms, or remote client interactions. The hourly range for lawyers in Aberdeen varies significantly, starting from $41.12 for entry-level positions and climbing up to $109.86 for highly experienced attorneys. These hourly rates are estimates based on the annual salary data, making Aberdeen’s legal pay scale an intriguing consideration for new lawyers entering the field.
About the Aberdeen Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($108,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41.12 | $328.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51.03 | $408.25 |
| Median (P50) | $70.88 | $567.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90.72 | $725.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109.86 | $878.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aberdeen
Based on $70.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $70.88/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aberdeen, SD can expect to earn approximately $147,434 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $85,058. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Aberdeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aberdeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,835.28 | $12,286 | $147,434 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,701.17 | $7,372 | $88,461 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,134.11 | $4,914 | $58,974 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Aberdeen) | $70.88 |
| 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 Aberdeen, SD earn a median of $147,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.81% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 5.00% below the South Dakota state average of $155,192.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $70.88/hr = $88,461/year (purchasing power: $95,324).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $147,434/year (purchasing power: $158,873).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$52.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$67.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$70.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Aberdeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $53.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $54.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $57.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $61.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $45.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $67.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74.21/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Aberdeen grew 29.9% from $52.13/hr (2019) to $67.70/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $74.21/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 Aberdeen 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 Aberdeen
Considering the practical implications of part-time and contract work, a lawyer working 24 hours a week in Aberdeen may expect to bring home approximately $86,000 annually, a substantial income compared to many other professions. For those employed on a per-diem basis, the reality is that the lower end of the market typically bills around $25-$50 per hour, translating to a very different earning experience than what established attorneys can obtain from 1099 roles, which might fetch anywhere from $200 to $500 an hour. Furthermore, the variation in hourly rates across employer types is pronounced; lawyers in large firms often earn more than their counterparts in non-profits or government roles. However, some opt for lower rates in exchange for more stable benefits, highlighting the trade-offs in legal careers. Tactical negotiation can therefore be crucial when discussing hourly positions in Aberdeen, given these dynamics.
More salary data for Aberdeen, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Aberdeen. 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 Aberdeen 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