Paralegal Hourly Pay in North Little Rock, AR: $23.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in North Little Rock, AR runs $23.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,635 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against North Little Rock's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,182 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, paralegals in North Little Rock, AR, will see a median hourly pay of $23.38, which falls significantly below the national median of $31.30. This disparity highlights the unique economic landscape of the region, where many paralegals work in environments including law firms, government offices, and corporate legal departments. For part-time workers, such as those on a 3-day work week schedule, the earning potential translates to about $27,748 annually, whereas per-diem paralegals can expect varying pay rates that may reflect the complexity or urgency of assignments. The hourly pay range for paralegals in North Little Rock will typically vary from entry-level positions earning around $17.01 to experienced professionals who can command upward of $36.24. It's crucial to note that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data and can fluctuate based on individual qualifications and specific employer types.
About the North Little Rock Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.01 | $136.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.89 | $151.12 |
| Median (P50) | $23.38 | $187.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.92 | $239.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.24 | $289.91 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Little Rock
Based on $23.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.38/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Little Rock, AR can expect to earn approximately $48,636 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,059. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Little Rock.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Little Rock
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $935.32 | $4,053 | $48,636 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $561.19 | $2,432 | $29,182 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $374.13 | $1,621 | $19,455 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (North Little Rock) | $23.38 |
| Lawyer (National Avg) | $81.25 |
| Legal Secretary (National Avg) | $26.86 |
| Court Reporter (National Avg) | $30.10 |
| Title Examiner / Abstractor (National Avg) | $29.85 |
Paralegals in North Little Rock, AR earn a median of $48,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.29% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 14.00% below the Arkansas state average of $56,553.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.38/hr = $29,182/year (purchasing power: $33,581).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,636/year (purchasing power: $55,968).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in North Little Rock (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.20/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.26/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.20/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in North Little Rock grew 21.6% from $18.58/hr (2019) to $22.59/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.20/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem paralegals can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Little Rock metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.51% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Paralegal in North Little Rock
Looking deeper into the workplace dynamics for paralegals in North Little Rock, there are compelling options for part-time and contract work. A paralegal working 3 days a week can accumulate significant experience while balancing life’s commitments, helping to bridge the earnings gap when full-time roles are unavailable. Contract roles can vary widely in compensation; for example, agency paralegals often charge between $25 and $50 per hour, while freelance opportunities might direct a skilled paralegal toward rates of $40 to $75. The type of employer influences earning potential significantly; law firms may offer lower wages compared to corporate legal departments or governmental roles, which may include benefits. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly pay and benefits is essential for new paralegals making strategic career choices. Negotiation is equally critical in this market; candidates should be prepared to discuss their skills and the specific demands of their roles to secure competitive pay, ensuring they seize the best opportunities available within North Little Rock’s evolving legal job market.
More salary data for North Little Rock, AR:
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.51% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for paralegals in North Little Rock. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for North Little Rock is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.51%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for paralegals (SOC 23-2011).
Compiled and verified by Jessica Tran, JD, a licensed paralegal with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov