Paralegal Hourly Pay in Bettendorf, IA: $26.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Bettendorf, IA runs $26.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,938 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Bettendorf's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.75 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,561 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bettendorf, Iowa, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $26.89 in 2026. This figure lags behind the national hourly median of $31.30, reflecting regional economic conditions and prevailing local market rates. For paralegals working part-time—approximately three days a week—this translates to a significant earning potential, catering to those looking for flexible schedules in environments such as law firms, corporate legal departments, or remote work settings like e-discovery review. Entry-level paralegals can expect to earn around $20.27 per hour, while those at the higher end of the spectrum, such as seasoned professionals or specialists, may reach as much as $41.68 per hour. These hourly rates are primarily derived from estimated annual salary data and help to clarify the budgeting for those considering a career in this vital legal support role.
About the Bettendorf Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($55,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.27 | $162.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.05 | $176.38 |
| Median (P50) | $26.89 | $215.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.41 | $275.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.68 | $333.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bettendorf
Based on $26.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.89/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bettendorf, IA can expect to earn approximately $55,935 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,270. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bettendorf.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bettendorf
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.68 | $4,661 | $55,935 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.41 | $2,797 | $33,561 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.27 | $1,865 | $22,374 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Bettendorf) | $26.89 |
| 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 Bettendorf, IA earn a median of $55,938 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.07% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.50% below the Iowa state average of $58,574.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.89/hr = $33,561/year (purchasing power: $37,125).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,935/year (purchasing power: $61,875).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Bettendorf (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.84/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Bettendorf grew 21.6% from $21.37/hr (2019) to $25.98/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.84/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 Bettendorf 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 Bettendorf
Part-time paralegals in Bettendorf working around 24 hours a week might expect an annual take-home pay that falls significantly short of full-time earnings, reflecting on the disparity in hours worked. In a per-diem context, contract paralegal work typically sees a range of pay, with billing rates fluctuating based on experience and specialist skills. E-discovery review specialists commonly earn between $30 and $60 per hour, while freelance corporate paralegals can command rates up to $75 per hour, depending on project demands. Employers in the area, including local law firms, corporate legal departments, and government legal offices, may not offer equal compensation, leading to variations that paralegals must navigate thoughtfully. Some professionals might opt for lower hourly rates with stable full-time positions that include health benefits, while others could choose higher contract pay without such perks. Understanding these dynamics is essential, along with effective negotiation techniques to secure fair compensation rates, whether engaging with local firms or applying for contract roles.
More salary data for Bettendorf, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Bettendorf in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Bettendorf?
Are paralegals in Bettendorf paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Bettendorf?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Bettendorf?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
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 Bettendorf. 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 Bettendorf 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