Portsmouth vs Richmond: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,734 | $65,149▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.24 | $31.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,163 | $50,099▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,903 | $54,943▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $74,419 | $79,796▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,037 | $95,188▲ |
| Total Employed | 17 | 1,930▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Richmond is $6,415 (10.92%). Richmond's median is +0.08% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $48,874,Richmond spans $45,089. Portsmouth 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, Richmond ($66,575 effective) pays 16.98% more than Portsmouth ($56,913 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,149/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,188)
- ✓Larger job market (1,930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,575)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Portsmouth grew -13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 31.4% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$65,907 (2024) → $56,742 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$47,910 (2019) → $62,940 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays paralegals more: Portsmouth or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portsmouth and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Portsmouth to Richmond as a paralegal?
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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