Paralegal Salary

Austin vs Rowlett: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Austin, TX and Rowlett, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Austin, TX
$66,391
$31.92/hr
Rowlett, TX
$55,327
$26.60/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAustin, TXRowlett, TX
Median Salary$66,391$55,327
Hourly Rate$31.92$26.60
Entry Level (P10)$45,751$39,003
25th Percentile$48,443$43,773
75th Percentile$81,876$70,818
Top Earner (P90)$103,986$85,757
Total Employed4,39015
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Austin ($66,391) and Rowlett ($55,327) paralegal salaries.AustinRowlettMedian Salary$66,391$55,327Entry Level (P10)$45,751$39,003Top Earner (P90)$103,986$85,757US Median $65,097

Verdict

Austin, TX offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Rowlett.

The salary gap between Austin and Rowlett is $11,064 (20.00%). Austin's median is +1.99% compared to the US national median of $65,097.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Austin spans $58,235,Rowlett spans $46,754. Austin has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Austin
P10 (Entry)$45,751
P25$48,443
Median$66,391
P75$81,876
P90 (Top)$103,986
Rowlett
P10 (Entry)$39,003
P25$43,773
Median$55,327
P75$70,818
P90 (Top)$85,757

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Austin ($67,700 effective) pays 17.47% more than Rowlett ($57,632 effective).

Austin
Nominal: $66,391
CoL Index: 98.066
Adjusted: $67,700
Rowlett
Nominal: $55,327
CoL Index: 96
Adjusted: $57,632

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Austin if…

  • Higher median salary ($66,391/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($103,986)
  • Larger job market (4,390 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,700)
  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Choose Rowlett if…

  • You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Austin grew 24.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -8.3% growth in Rowlett over the same period.

Austin, TX

+24.4%

$51,560 (2019) → $64,140 (2025)

Rowlett, TX

+-8.3%

$58,305 (2024) → $53,451 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Austin or Rowlett?

Austin has a higher median paralegal salary at $66,391/year, compared to Rowlett at $55,327/year — a difference of $11,064 (20.00%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Austin and Rowlett?

Austin paralegals earn $31.92/hr while Rowlett hygienists earn $26.60/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Austin to Rowlett as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Austin and Rowlett. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Austin = $67,700, Rowlett = $57,632), job availability (4,390 vs 15 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Austin vs Rowlett?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $45,751 in Austin and $39,003 in Rowlett. The Austin area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

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