Lawyer Salary in Lawrence, IN: $105,229 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time lawyer in Lawrence, IN earns a median $105,229/year (≈ $50.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-1011). Once you factor in Lawrence's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $115,256 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.3% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a median annual salary of $105,229 for lawyers in Lawrence, Indiana, this figure reflects a significant gap compared to the national average of $167,174, highlighting the unique local market dynamics. Salaries in this region showcase a broad spectrum, ranging from $61,033 at the 10th percentile to $163,105 at the 90th percentile, indicating a range of opportunities for practitioners at different stages of their careers. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price differences, underline the importance of billable hour expectations when assessing legal compensation in this area. The job market for lawyers in Lawrence is limited, with only 10 legal professionals employed, which inherently shapes salary structures and potential for higher earnings in this small but competitive landscape.
About the Lawrence Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($125,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $61,033 | $29.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $75,765 | $36.43 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,229 | $50.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,692 | $64.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $163,105 | $78.42 |
Median Salary Position
37.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Lawrence
In Lawrence, IN, the lawyer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $102,072 (2026 est.). At $105,229, the local median is 37.05% below the national median of $167,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Lawrence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Lawrence Lawyer Pay Compares
Lawrence median: $105,229/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Lawrence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $109,957 | -4.30% less |
| National Average | $167,174 | -37.05% less |
Lawyers in Lawrence, IN earn a median of $105,229 per year (2026 est.), which is 37.05% lower than the national median of $167,174 and 4.30% below the Indiana state average of $109,957.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Lawrence has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Lawrence, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A lawyer earning $105,229 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $115,256 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,398
2025 BLS Actual
$100,505
2026 Current Est.
$105,229
2019–2027 Growth
+42.3%
Salary Trajectory for Lawyers in Lawrence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 4.70% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,398 | Actual |
| 2020 | $79,897 | Actual |
| 2021 | $80,564 | Actual |
| 2022 | $85,442 | Actual |
| 2023 | $91,749 | Actual |
| 2024 | $109,182 | Actual |
| 2025 | $100,505 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,229 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $110,174 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Lawrence metropolitan area, the median lawyer salary grew 29.9% from $77,398 (2019) to $100,505 (2025). At a 4.70% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $110,174 by 2027 — a total increase of $32,776 (42.35%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lawrence 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $61,033 – $75,765 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $75,765 – $105,229 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,229 – $134,692 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,692 – $163,105 |
Esq salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual lawyer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Lawyer Job Market in Lawrence
The local job market reflects a cost-of-living index of 91.3, suggesting that lawyers in Lawrence may experience a more favorable purchasing power relative to the salary figures. Employers in Lawrence often comprise regional firms, boutique specialties, and in-house legal departments, rather than the high-pressure BigLaw firms that typically command a premium in larger markets such as New York or San Francisco. This can influence pay, as positions in private practice, especially those aligning with public interest or government work, may yield lower salaries but offer valuable experience and student loan forgiveness benefits. The disparity in compensation between lower and higher-paying legal roles in Lawrence is driven by several factors, including billable hour requirements and firm reputation, combined with the market's limited scope. For those navigating this environment, focusing on high-demand practice areas and gaining diverse experience can be the best strategies to maximize their earning potential within the constraints of the Lawrence, IN legal market.
More salary data for Lawrence, IN:
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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $100,505 for lawyersin the Lawrence metropolitan area. A 4.70% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lawrence 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