Lawyer Hourly Pay in Suffolk, VA: $62.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Suffolk, VA runs $62.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $130,811 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Suffolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $60.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $78,491 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Suffolk, Virginia, the lawyer hourly pay is projected to be $62.89 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $80.37. This discrepancy presents a unique dynamic for part-time lawyers working about three days a week; for example, those who log 24 hours can anticipate an income reflective of this hourly rate without the full burden of a 40-hour workweek. The range for hourly pay varies considerably, with entry-level positions at around $36.48 and top earners potentially making $97.48. Lawyers in Suffolk typically practice in diverse settings such as law firm offices, courtrooms, and corporate legal departments, with the hourly rates being derived from estimated annual salaries that reflect the regional cost of living and market conditions.
About the Suffolk Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36.48 | $291.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45.28 | $362.26 |
| Median (P50) | $62.89 | $503.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80.50 | $644.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97.48 | $779.81 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Suffolk
Based on $62.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $62.89/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Suffolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $130,818 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $75,472. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Suffolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Suffolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,515.73 | $10,902 | $130,818 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,509.44 | $6,541 | $78,491 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,006.29 | $4,361 | $52,327 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Suffolk) | $62.89 |
| 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 Suffolk, VA earn a median of $130,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.75% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 1.70% below the Virginia state average of $133,073.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $62.89/hr = $78,491/year (purchasing power: $76,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $130,818/year (purchasing power: $126,762).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$46.26/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$60.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$62.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Suffolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46.26/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $47.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $48.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $51.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $54.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $77.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $60.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65.85/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Suffolk grew 29.9% from $46.26/hr (2019) to $60.07/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $65.85/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 Suffolk 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 Suffolk
The earning potential for part-time lawyers in Suffolk reveals a stark contrast when compared to full-time earnings. A three-day work schedule could yield roughly $78,441 annually, which is considerably less than a full-time equivalent, but still provides financial flexibility. For those entering the per diem or locum market, typical billing rates can start as low as $25-$50 per hour for contract attorney positions, while 1099 arrangements can see rates soar to between $200 and $500 per hour, particularly for experienced attorneys or specialized areas of law. The type of employer significantly influences these rates; BigLaw firms often set higher standards but demand brutal hours, while regional firms and government positions may offer more reasonable hours at lower pay. Legal professionals must navigate these choices carefully, weighing the trade-offs between lower hourly rates that come with benefits and the potential for high-per-hour earnings without such security. For those working within Suffolk, negotiation tips can help maximize hourly rates; understanding the local market and the specific needs of clients can lead to favorable arrangements in both permanent and temporary positions.
More salary data for Suffolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for lawyers in Suffolk in 2026?
How much do part-time lawyers make in Suffolk?
Are lawyers in Suffolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time lawyer make per year in Suffolk?
Do lawyers earn more per hour working part-time in Suffolk?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Virginia
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 Suffolk. 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 Suffolk 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