Lawyer Hourly Pay in Waukesha, WI: $66.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Waukesha, WI runs $66.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $138,991 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Waukesha's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $71.54 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $83,391 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Waukesha's legal professionals earn a median hourly rate of $66.82, which falls below the national hourly median of $80.37. This discrepancy is significant for those considering part-time or per-diem positions in various legal environments, such as law firm offices, courtroom settings, or remote contract work. With an hourly range between $38.76 at the lower end and $103.58 at the top tier, lawyers in Waukesha have the potential for varied earnings depending on their experience and specialization. This pay structure can offer opportunities for those looking to balance their work-life commitments, although it is derived from projected annual salary data.
About the Waukesha Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38.76 | $310.08 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48.11 | $384.88 |
| Median (P50) | $66.82 | $534.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85.53 | $684.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103.58 | $828.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukesha
Based on $66.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $66.82/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukesha, WI can expect to earn approximately $138,985 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $80,183. With a cost-of-living index of 93.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukesha.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukesha
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,672.78 | $11,582 | $138,985 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,603.67 | $6,949 | $83,391 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $1,069.11 | $4,633 | $55,594 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Waukesha) | $66.82 |
| 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 Waukesha, WI earn a median of $138,991 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.86% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 14.70% above the Wisconsin state average of $121,178.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $66.82/hr = $83,391/year (purchasing power: $89,283).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $138,985/year (purchasing power: $148,806).
CoL index: 93.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$49.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$63.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$66.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Waukesha (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $50.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $51.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $54.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $58.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $56.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $63.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69.96/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Waukesha grew 29.9% from $49.15/hr (2019) to $63.82/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $69.96/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 Waukesha 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 Waukesha
The part-time earning potential for a lawyer working three days a week for 24 hours translates to a yearly income substantially less than a full-time attorney. Those working on a per-diem basis or through agency placements typically see rates between $25 and $50 per hour for entry-level or contract assignments. In contrast, seasoned attorneys involved in 1099 arrangements may charge upwards of $200 to $500 per hour, especially in specialized roles like expert witnesses and consulting. In Waukesha, hourly rates can vary significantly based on the type of employer; large firms often adhere to higher billing structures compared to non-profit or government positions. While some lawyers may decide to accept lower wages at public sector jobs for benefits, others might capitalize on higher hourly rates lacking such advantages. For effective negotiations, understanding the local market and employer types is essential for lawyers in Waukesha to optimize their hourly pay and working conditions.
More salary data for Waukesha, 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 Waukesha. 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 Waukesha 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