Lawyer Hourly Pay in Eau Claire, WI: $58.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Eau Claire, WI runs $58.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $121,787 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Eau Claire's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $63.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $73,068 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the lawyer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $58.55 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $80.37. This discrepancy reflects the local market dynamics and provides valuable insights for both full-time and part-time lawyers, including those seeking per diem opportunities. For example, a lawyer working three days a week could realistically bill around $4,000 monthly at this median rate, making flexibility possible in various legal settings such as firms, courtrooms, and corporate departments. The hourly pay ranges from $33.64 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $169.67 for the most experienced practitioners, highlighting the vast earning potential within the profession.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33.64 | $269.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.81 | $326.50 |
| Median (P50) | $58.55 | $468.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82.30 | $658.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $169.67 | $1357.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Eau Claire
Based on $58.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $58.55/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Eau Claire, WI can expect to earn approximately $121,780 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $70,258. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Eau Claire.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Eau Claire
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,341.93 | $10,148 | $121,780 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,405.16 | $6,089 | $73,068 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $936.77 | $4,059 | $48,712 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Eau Claire) | $58.55 |
| 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 Eau Claire, WI earn a median of $121,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.15% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 0.50% above the Wisconsin state average of $121,181.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $58.55/hr = $73,068/year (purchasing power: $78,741).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $121,780/year (purchasing power: $131,234).
CoL index: 92.796 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$42.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$55.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$58.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Eau Claire (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $40.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $46.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $38.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $45.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $48.19/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $55.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Eau Claire grew 33.1% from $42.00/hr (2019) to $55.92/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $61.30/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 Eau Claire 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 Eau Claire
When examining part-time earning potential for a lawyer working 24 hours weekly, the annual income translates to approximately $49,380, showcasing a significant difference compared to full-time counterparts. Meanwhile, the per diem lawyer pay in Eau Claire varies widely, with contract roles often paying between $25-$50/hr, while more lucrative 1099 consulting engagements can command fees up to $800/hr. The variation within the market reflects the types of employers—BigLaw firms, smaller regional firms, and public sector roles all offer distinct hourly rates that influence overall job satisfaction. Many lawyers may choose lower pay for stability and benefits in government or public interest positions, while others accept riskier, higher-rate gigs for potentially greater revenue. For those negotiating hourly contracts, understanding local benchmarks and market conditions can be a game-changer in maximizing income potential throughout their legal careers in Eau Claire.
More salary data for Eau Claire, WI:
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 Eau Claire. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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