Paralegal Hourly Pay in Lewiston, ID: $24.90 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Lewiston, ID runs $24.90 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,796 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Lewiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.2, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,081 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, paralegals in Lewiston, Idaho, can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $24.90. This figure reflects a gap when compared to the national median hourly rate of $31.30, highlighting the regional economic differences. For part-time workers, such as those clocking in three days a week, this median translates to a reasonable earnings potential, providing manageable compensation in typical workplaces like law firms or corporate legal departments. The hourly pay range for paralegals in Lewiston is projected to span from $19.40 for entry-level positions to as much as $39.34 for the most experienced paralegals. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, representing a realistic snapshot of the market for paralegal hourly pay in Lewiston, ID.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.40 | $155.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.14 | $193.11 |
| Median (P50) | $24.90 | $199.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.77 | $238.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.34 | $314.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lewiston
Based on $24.90/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.90/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lewiston, ID can expect to earn approximately $51,801 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,885. With a cost-of-living index of 91.16 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lewiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lewiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $996.18 | $4,317 | $51,801 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $597.71 | $2,590 | $31,081 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $398.47 | $1,727 | $20,721 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Lewiston) | $24.90 |
| 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 Lewiston, ID earn a median of $51,796 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.43% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.30% above the Idaho state average of $50,142.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.90/hr = $31,081/year (purchasing power: $34,095).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,801/year (purchasing power: $56,825).
CoL index: 91.16 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.90/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+12.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.90/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.78/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Lewiston grew 5.3% from $22.84/hr (2019) to $24.06/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.78/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 Lewiston 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 Lewiston
For part-time paralegals working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can be quite distinct compared to full-time positions. While full-time paralegals may benefit from comprehensive health benefits, part-time professionals often need to weigh their hourly rate against the absence of perks when accepting roles. Freelance paralegals working on a per-diem basis may see variable earnings, with contract work typically billing at rates ranging from $25 to $50 an hour; e-discovery specialists often command higher fees of $30-$60 per hour depending on expertise. Different employer types, such as large law firms or corporate legal departments, can influence hourly wages significantly. It is not uncommon for paralegals in governmental roles to earn less in exchange for job stability and benefits, making negotiations critical for those looking to maximize their hourly earnings in Lewiston. Knowing the local market dynamics can be beneficial for hourly workers seeking to advance their careers or secure favorable contract terms.
More salary data for Lewiston, ID:
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 Lewiston. 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