Radford vs Roanoke: Paralegal Salary (2026)
Compare paralegal salaries between Radford, VA and Roanoke, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Radford, VA | Roanoke, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,422 | $62,168▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.53 | $29.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,669 | $47,397▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $52,252▲ | $50,420 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,722▲ | $69,559 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,970▲ | $80,779 |
| Total Employed | 6 | 390▲ |
Verdict
Roanoke, VA offers better overall compensation for paralegals, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Radford.
The salary gap between Radford and Roanoke is $746 (1.21%). Roanoke's median is -4.50% compared to the US national median of $65,097.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Radford spans $45,301,Roanoke spans $33,382. Radford 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, Roanoke ($66,406 effective) pays 11.57% more than Radford ($59,517 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Radford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,970)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,168/year)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,406)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, paralegal salaries in Radford grew -8.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 44.0% growth in Roanoke over the same period.
Radford, VA
$65,144 (2024) → $59,339 (2025)
Roanoke, VA
$41,720 (2019) → $60,060 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Radford, VA
Roanoke, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
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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