Paralegal Salary

Dundalk vs Hagerstown: Paralegal Salary (2026)

Compare paralegal salaries between Dundalk, MD and Hagerstown, MD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Dundalk, MD
$68,724
$33.04/hr
Hagerstown, MD
$65,511
$31.50/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricDundalk, MDHagerstown, MD
Median Salary$68,724$65,511
Hourly Rate$33.04$31.50
Entry Level (P10)$49,212$41,259
25th Percentile$54,736$51,144
75th Percentile$87,967$85,623
Top Earner (P90)$106,523$115,445
Total Employed10330
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Dundalk ($68,724) and Hagerstown ($65,511) paralegal salaries.DundalkHagerstownMedian Salary$68,724$65,511Entry Level (P10)$49,212$41,259Top Earner (P90)$106,523$115,445US Median $65,097

Verdict

Dundalk and Hagerstown are closely matched on overall paralegal compensation, each winning on different metrics.

The salary gap between Dundalk and Hagerstown is $3,213 (4.90%). Dundalk's median is +5.57% compared to the US national median of $65,097.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dundalk spans $57,311,Hagerstown spans $74,186. Hagerstown has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced paralegals.

Dundalk
P10 (Entry)$49,212
P25$54,736
Median$68,724
P75$87,967
P90 (Top)$106,523
Hagerstown
P10 (Entry)$41,259
P25$51,144
Median$65,511
P75$85,623
P90 (Top)$115,445

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Hagerstown ($69,566 effective) pays 10.64% more than Dundalk ($62,876 effective).

Dundalk
Nominal: $68,724
CoL Index: 109.3
Adjusted: $62,876
Hagerstown
Nominal: $65,511
CoL Index: 94.171
Adjusted: $69,566

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

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Dundalk if…

  • Higher median salary ($68,724/year)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Choose Hagerstown if…

  • Better top-earner potential ($115,445)
  • Larger job market (330 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $69,566)
  • You prefer the Maryland area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Dundalk grew -10.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 8.9% growth in Hagerstown over the same period.

Dundalk, MD

+-10.2%

$73,900 (2024) → $66,394 (2025)

Hagerstown, MD

+8.9%

$58,100 (2019) → $63,290 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays paralegals more: Dundalk or Hagerstown?

Dundalk has a higher median paralegal salary at $68,724/year, compared to Hagerstown at $65,511/year — a difference of $3,213 (4.90%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Dundalk and Hagerstown?

Dundalk paralegals earn $33.04/hr while Hagerstown hygienists earn $31.50/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Dundalk to Hagerstown as a paralegal?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Dundalk and Hagerstown. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Dundalk = $62,876, Hagerstown = $69,566), job availability (10 vs 330 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level paralegals earn in Dundalk vs Hagerstown?

Entry-level (10th percentile) paralegals earn $49,212 in Dundalk and $41,259 in Hagerstown. The Dundalk 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