Paralegal Hourly Pay in Sunrise, FL: $27.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Sunrise, FL runs $27.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,368 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Sunrise's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,427 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sunrise, Florida, paralegals can expect a median hourly pay of $27.59, substantially lower than the national median of $31.30. This rate reflects the compensation landscape for professionals within law firms, corporate legal departments, and various government offices. For part-time employees working three days a week, the typical earnings translate to about $1,100 weekly based on a 24-hour work schedule. Those entering the field may earn as low as $19.89 per hour, while more experienced paralegals can command up to $42.75. These hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data and illustrate the financial prospects for those engaged in legal support roles in Sunrise, whether they are working in bustling law firm cubicles or participating in remote e-discovery projects.
About the Sunrise Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.89 | $159.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.16 | $177.29 |
| Median (P50) | $27.59 | $220.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.07 | $280.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.75 | $342.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sunrise
Based on $27.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.59/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sunrise, FL can expect to earn approximately $57,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,102. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sunrise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sunrise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,103.42 | $4,781 | $57,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $662.05 | $2,869 | $34,427 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $441.37 | $1,913 | $22,951 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Sunrise) | $27.59 |
| 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 Sunrise, FL earn a median of $57,368 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.87% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 2.80% below the Florida state average of $59,021.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.59/hr = $34,427/year (purchasing power: $34,153).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,378/year (purchasing power: $56,922).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Sunrise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Sunrise grew 21.6% from $21.93/hr (2019) to $26.65/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.55/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 Sunrise 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 Sunrise
Many paralegals in Sunrise opt for part-time work, which results in an annual income that differs significantly from full-time counterparts. On a standard three-day work schedule, their annual earnings may reach around $57,368, translating to a manageable lifestyle in a city where the cost of living is marginally above the national average. Per-diem and freelance opportunities present even broader compensation potentials, with agency paralegals generally billing between $25 and $50 per hour. This flexibility can be appealing, especially for those who prioritize work-life balance. Notably, hourly rates vary based on the kind of employer; while BigLaw firms may provide higher pay, those positions often come with demanding workloads. In contrast, in-house corporate paralegals enjoy steadier hours but may sacrifice some earning potential. When negotiating, candidates should emphasize skills in e-discovery or specific legal specialties, as these can command premium rates in Sunrise's evolving job market.
More salary data for Sunrise, FL:
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 Sunrise. 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 Sunrise 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