Lawyer Hourly Pay in Wausau, WI: $53.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a lawyer working in Wausau, WI runs $53.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $111,286 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Weighted against Wausau's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $57.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $66,770 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Wausau, Wisconsin, the lawyer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $53.50 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national hourly median of $80.37. This difference suggests that lawyers in Wausau might need to pursue additional part-time opportunities or engage in per-diem work to enhance their earnings. For instance, a lawyer working three days a week, totaling around 24 hours, could expect a reasonable income while typically balancing roles in settings like law firm offices, courtrooms, or corporate legal departments. With hourly rates ranging from $32.91 for entry-level positions to as high as $145.20 for experienced professionals, Wausau presents a variety of earning potentials for legal practitioners across different experience levels.
Lawyer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32.91 | $263.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40.97 | $327.75 |
| Median (P50) | $53.50 | $428.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79.51 | $636.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $145.20 | $1161.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wausau
Based on $53.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $53.50/hr, a lawyer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wausau, WI can expect to earn approximately $111,284 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $64,202. With a cost-of-living index of 92.65 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wausau.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wausau
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $2,140.07 | $9,274 | $111,284 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,284.04 | $5,564 | $66,770 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $856.03 | $3,709 | $44,513 |
Compare Esq Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Lawyer (Wausau) | $53.50 |
| 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 Wausau, WI earn a median of $111,286 per year (2026 est.), which is 33.43% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 8.20% below the Wisconsin state average of $121,226.
Lawyer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $53.50/hr = $66,770/year (purchasing power: $72,066).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $111,284/year (purchasing power: $120,110).
CoL index: 92.651 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$44.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$51.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$53.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+24.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Lawyers in Wausau (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $42.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $47.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $47.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $50.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $52.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $51.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56.02/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for lawyers in Wausau grew 13.8% from $44.89/hr (2019) to $51.10/hr (2025). At a 4.70% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $56.02/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 Wausau 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 Wausau
Considering part-time earnings, a lawyer working 24 hours per week would see their annual income notably lower than that of a full-time counterpart. This salary structure is evident in the per-diem model, where contract attorney positions often bill between $25-$50 per hour, while more established 1099 arrangements could see billing rates escalate to $200-$500 per hour. Specialized consulting for expert witness work can yield even higher rates, often reaching $400-$800 per hour. Hourly compensation can also vary significantly depending on the type of employer. For example, BigLaw firms may align with higher billing rates, but public sector roles often prioritize job security over pay. In negotiating their pay, lawyers should consider both hourly compensation and the associated benefits, as some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other perks. As the legal field continues to evolve, local practitioners in Wausau should stay informed about industry trends and wage expectations to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Wausau, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for lawyers in Wausau in 2026?
How much do part-time lawyers make in Wausau?
Are lawyers in Wausau paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time lawyer make per year in Wausau?
Do lawyers earn more per hour working part-time in Wausau?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 Wausau. 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