Paralegal Hourly Pay in Wilmington, DE: $35.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Wilmington, DE runs $35.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,147 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Wilmington's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,490 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Paralegals in Wilmington, DE can expect a median hourly pay of $35.65, which represents a significant increase compared to the national hourly median of $31.30. This competitive rate not only reflects the cost of living in Wilmington, where the index slightly exceeds the national average, but it also supports those in various work settings—including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. For part-time paralegals working three days a week, this translates into approximately $1,136 per week before taxes, allowing for a comfortable income even while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range for paralegals in Wilmington spans from $25.04 at the entry-level to $55.25 for top earners, illustrating the potential for growth within the field as experience and specialization increase.
About the Wilmington Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.04 | $200.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.03 | $224.24 |
| Median (P50) | $35.65 | $285.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.77 | $358.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.25 | $442.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilmington
Based on $35.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.65/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilmington, DE can expect to earn approximately $74,150 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,779. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Wilmington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilmington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,425.95 | $6,179 | $74,150 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $855.57 | $3,707 | $44,490 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $570.38 | $2,472 | $29,660 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Wilmington) | $35.65 |
| 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 Wilmington, DE earn a median of $74,147 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.90% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 12.00% above the Delaware state average of $66,203.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.65/hr = $44,490/year (purchasing power: $43,746).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,150/year (purchasing power: $72,910).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Wilmington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.90/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Wilmington grew 21.6% from $28.33/hr (2019) to $34.44/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.90/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 Wilmington 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 Wilmington
Focusing on part-time earnings, a paralegal working 24 hours a week in Wilmington would take home about $59,366 annually, compared to full-time counterparts. Freelance and per-diem paralegals may charge between $25 and $75 per hour depending on their expertise and niche practice. For example, e-discovery specialists, proficient in software like Relativity, can earn rates that skew towards the higher end, while contract paralegals during active litigation may command between $50-$90 per hour. In a city with a diverse set of employers—ranging from large law firms to state government offices—hourly rates can vary significantly. Some professionals may opt for lower hourly fees in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others may prioritize higher wages without benefits, depending on personal financial strategies. For those negotiating their pay, being informed of the standard rates and the nuances of Wilmington's legal market can provide leverage in discussions about compensation.
More salary data for Wilmington, DE:
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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington 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