Paralegal Salary

Boston vs Dracut: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Boston, MA and Dracut, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Boston, MA
$82,653
$39.74/hr
Dracut, MA
$64,511
$31.01/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricBoston, MADracut, MA
Median Salary$82,653$64,511
Hourly Rate$39.74$31.01
Entry Level (P10)$52,107$48,883
25th Percentile$66,091$53,100
75th Percentile$101,926$81,344
Top Earner (P90)$130,909$99,992
Total Employed6,3006
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Boston ($82,653) and Dracut ($64,511) paralegal salaries.BostonDracutMedian Salary$82,653$64,511Entry Level (P10)$52,107$48,883Top Earner (P90)$130,909$99,992US Median $65,097

Verdict

Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dracut.

The salary gap between Boston and Dracut is $18,142 (28.12%). Boston's median is +26.97% compared to the US national median of $65,097.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boston spans $78,802,Dracut spans $51,109. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Boston
P10 (Entry)$52,107
P25$66,091
Median$82,653
P75$101,926
P90 (Top)$130,909
Dracut
P10 (Entry)$48,883
P25$53,100
Median$64,511
P75$81,344
P90 (Top)$99,992

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($76,343 effective) pays 28.40% more than Dracut ($59,457 effective).

Boston
Nominal: $82,653
CoL Index: 108.266
Adjusted: $76,343
Dracut
Nominal: $64,511
CoL Index: 108.5
Adjusted: $59,457

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Boston if…

  • Higher median salary ($82,653/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($130,909)
  • Larger job market (6,300 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $76,343)
  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Choose Dracut if…

  • You prefer the Massachusetts area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Boston grew 34.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -16.7% growth in Dracut over the same period.

Boston, MA

+34.8%

$59,220 (2019) → $79,850 (2025)

Dracut, MA

+-16.7%

$74,828 (2024) → $62,323 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Boston or Dracut?

Boston has a higher median paralegal salary at $82,653/year, compared to Dracut at $64,511/year — a difference of $18,142 (28.12%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Dracut?

Boston paralegals earn $39.74/hr while Dracut hygienists earn $31.01/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Boston to Dracut as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Boston and Dracut. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Boston = $76,343, Dracut = $59,457), job availability (6,300 vs 6 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Boston vs Dracut?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $52,107 in Boston and $48,883 in Dracut. The Boston 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