Boston vs Newton: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Boston, MA and Newton, MA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boston, MA | Newton, MA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $82,653▲ | $81,988 |
| Hourly Rate | $39.74▲ | $39.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,107 | $60,850▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $66,091▲ | $65,112 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,926 | $104,945▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $130,909▲ | $127,081 |
| Total Employed | 6,300▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Boston, MA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Newton.
The salary gap between Boston and Newton is $665 (0.81%). 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,Newton spans $66,231. Boston has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boston ($76,343 effective) pays 1.03% more than Newton ($75,565 effective).
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 Newton 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 3.2% growth in Newton over the same period.
Boston, MA
$59,220 (2019) → $79,850 (2025)
Newton, MA
$76,717 (2024) → $79,208 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boston, MA
Newton, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Boston or Newton?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boston and Newton?
Should I relocate from Boston to Newton as a paralegal?
What do entry-level paralegals earn in Boston vs Newton?
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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