Paralegal Hourly Pay in Kahului, HI: $33.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Kahului, HI runs $33.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,849 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Kahului's regional price level (BEA RPP 109.4, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,906 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kahului, Hawaii, the average paralegal hourly pay stands at $33.58, which reflects a competitive edge over the national median hourly rate of $31.30. This rate is enticing for both full-time employees and those seeking part-time or per-diem opportunities in diverse settings like law firm offices, corporate legal departments, and government support roles. For part-time paralegals working three days a week, this hourly wage offers a solid earning potential while maintaining a reasonable work-life balance. Entry-level professionals earn approximately $26.22 per hour, while experienced paralegals can command up to $40.73, showcasing a healthy range within the industry. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data paints a promising picture for those currently in the field or considering a paralegal career in Kahului.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $26.22 | $209.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.33 | $210.66 |
| Median (P50) | $33.58 | $268.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.00 | $303.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.73 | $325.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Kahului
Based on $33.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.58/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Kahului, HI can expect to earn approximately $69,844 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,294. With a cost-of-living index of 109.39 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Kahului.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Kahului
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,343.15 | $5,820 | $69,844 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $805.89 | $3,492 | $41,906 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $537.26 | $2,328 | $27,937 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Kahului) | $33.58 |
| 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 Kahului, HI earn a median of $69,849 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.30% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 10.10% below the Hawaii state average of $77,696.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.58/hr = $41,906/year (purchasing power: $38,308).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,844/year (purchasing power: $63,846).
CoL index: 109.393 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Kahului (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.76/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Kahului grew 16.8% from $27.77/hr (2019) to $32.44/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.76/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 Kahului 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 Kahului
Focused on part-time work, a paralegal contributing 24 hours weekly could earn about $41,872 annually, providing a noteworthy financial option without the commitment of a full-time position. The freelance landscape reveals possible rates ranging from $25 to $90 per hour based on specialization; e-discovery review specialists may achieve $30 to $60 hourly rates, while corporate paralegals at small firms can earn $40 to $75. Law firms, ranging from competitive BigLaw firms to smaller boutiques, tend to offer varying hourly rates influenced by firm size and location. Some may opt for lower pay that includes health benefits, while others prefer higher pay without perks. For savvy negotiators, emphasizing relevant experience and specific industry skills can be beneficial, whether you're currently a paralegal in Kahului or a prospective applicant.
More salary data for Kahului, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Kahului in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Kahului?
Are paralegals in Kahului paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Kahului?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Kahului?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Hawaii
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 Kahului. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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