Houma vs Lafayette: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Houma, LA and Lafayette, LA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Houma, LA | Lafayette, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,194 | $53,960▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.17 | $25.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,134 | $37,740▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $42,760 | $47,967▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,025 | $66,660▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,777▲ | $77,343 |
| Total Employed | 80 | 470▲ |
Verdict
Lafayette, LA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Houma.
The salary gap between Houma and Lafayette is $5,766 (11.96%). Lafayette's median is -17.11% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Houma spans $44,643,Lafayette spans $39,603. Houma 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, Lafayette ($61,874 effective) pays 9.26% more than Houma ($56,630 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Houma if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,777)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Choose Lafayette if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,960/year)
- ✓Larger job market (470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,874)
- ✓You prefer the Louisiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Houma grew 13.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.2% growth in Lafayette over the same period.
Houma, LA
$41,170 (2019) → $46,560 (2025)
Lafayette, LA
$41,310 (2019) → $52,130 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lafayette, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Houma or Lafayette?
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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