Lawyer Hourly Pay in Renton, WA: $68.48 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Renton, WA runs $68.48 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $142,442 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Renton's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $63.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $85,468 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Renton, WA, the lawyer hourly pay is positioned at a median rate of $68.48, which is notably lower than the national median of $80.37. This disparity reflects regional economic conditions and the cost of living specific to the area. For part-time lawyers working three days a week, the hourly rate translates into a potential income that may offer a flexible lifestyle, yet it can limit overall financial growth when compared to those working full-time. Per-diem arrangements, commonly seen within law firms and corporate legal departments, allow some attorneys to earn between $39.72 and $106.14 per hour based on experience and specialization. This creates a varied earning potential, from those just entering the field to seasoned professionals commanding top compensation rates.
About the Renton Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($158,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39.72 | $317.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49.30 | $394.43 |
| Median (P50) | $68.48 | $547.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87.65 | $701.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106.14 | $849.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Renton
Based on $68.48/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $68.48/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Renton, WA can expect to earn approximately $142,447 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $82,181. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Renton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Renton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,739.37 | $11,871 | $142,447 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,643.62 | $7,122 | $85,468 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,095.75 | $4,748 | $56,979 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Renton) | $68.48 |
| 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 Renton, WA earn a median of $142,442 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.79% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $138,833.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $68.48/hr = $85,468/year (purchasing power: $79,579).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $142,447/year (purchasing power: $132,632).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$50.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$65.41/hr
2026 Current Est.
$68.48/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Renton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $52.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $52.43/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $55.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $59.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $83.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $65.41/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68.48/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71.70/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Renton grew 29.9% from $50.37/hr (2019) to $65.41/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $71.70/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 Renton 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 Renton
When examining the compensation landscape, part-time lawyers working 24 hours a week will achieve a far lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts pursuing a 40-hour week. Many per-diem lawyers in Renton may find themselves earning as low as $25 to $50 per hour, particularly in contract attorney roles or document review positions. However, those with specialized skills can earn significantly more through 1099 or of-counsel arrangements, often billing rates upwards of $200 to $500 per hour. Additionally, hourly rates vary considerably based on the type of employer, with large firms positioned to offer higher compensation compared to boutique firms or government roles, where benefits like health insurance may offset lower hourly rates. It's essential for lawyers in Renton to negotiate not just their pay but the benefits that come with various positions, as taking a slightly lower hourly wage for comprehensive benefits can sometimes lead to greater long-term satisfaction and stability in a fluctuating legal market.
More salary data for Renton, WA:
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 Renton. 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 Renton 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