Akron vs Columbus: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Akron, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Akron, OH | Columbus, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,406 | $62,551▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.01 | $30.07▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,509 | $48,743▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $50,865 | $61,537▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,254 | $80,945▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $89,453 | $101,471▲ |
| Total Employed | 410 | 2,260▲ |
Verdict
Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Akron.
The salary gap between Akron and Columbus is $145 (0.23%). Columbus's median is -3.91% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Akron spans $44,944,Columbus spans $52,728. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Akron ($66,837 effective) pays 2.01% more than Columbus ($65,520 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Akron if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,837)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Columbus if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,551/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($101,471)
- ✓Larger job market (2,260 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Akron grew 20.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.2% growth in Columbus over the same period.
Akron, OH
$50,070 (2019) → $60,290 (2025)
Columbus, OH
$47,140 (2019) → $60,430 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbus, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
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Written by Jessica Tran, JD
Career Analyst
Jessica Tran has 10 years of experience in paralegal studies. She specializes in corporate law and works with a law firm. She trains new paralegals in legal research and documentation.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.51% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov