Paralegal Hourly Pay in Davenport, IA: $28.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Davenport, IA runs $28.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,032 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Davenport's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.1, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,421 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Davenport, Iowa, the median paralegal hourly rate is projected at $28.38 in 2026, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This hourly pay reflects the typical earnings in law firm settings, government offices, corporate legal departments, and remote e-discovery roles. For part-time paralegals working three days a week, this rate translates to a manageable weekly income, benefiting those who desire flexible schedules. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $19.05 per hour, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $40.40 per hour, illustrating a significant variance in pay based on experience and specific work environments. These figures, derived from official BLS data based on 2025, projected to 2026, offer a clear snapshot of paralegal hourly pay in Davenport.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.05 | $152.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.92 | $191.37 |
| Median (P50) | $28.38 | $227.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.83 | $262.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.40 | $323.20 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Davenport
Based on $28.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.38/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Davenport, IA can expect to earn approximately $59,035 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,059. With a cost-of-living index of 89.08 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Davenport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Davenport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,135.30 | $4,920 | $59,035 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.18 | $2,952 | $35,421 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.12 | $1,968 | $23,614 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Davenport) | $28.38 |
| 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 Davenport, IA earn a median of $59,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.32% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 0.80% above the Iowa state average of $58,563.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.38/hr = $35,421/year (purchasing power: $39,764).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,035/year (purchasing power: $66,273).
CoL index: 89.079 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Davenport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Davenport grew 16.7% from $23.50/hr (2019) to $27.42/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.38/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 Davenport 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 Davenport
Considering the broader implications of paralegal hourly earnings, those working part-time (around 24 hours a week) have the potential to earn around $35,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem and freelance paralegals in Davenport may find varied pay rates, often billing anywhere from $25 to $90 per hour depending on their specializations, such as e-discovery or trial preparation. Each type of employer—be it a large law firm, a government agency, or a boutique practice—affects salary structures differently, often reflecting the trade-offs between pay and benefits. For instance, corporate paralegals may enjoy more stable hours and a better work-life balance but might earn less per hour compared to those in high-pressure environments like BigLaw. When negotiating, it's wise to consider the value of benefits alongside hourly rates, as securing health insurance can be a crucial factor for many professionals in the field. Understanding these dynamics can empower paralegals in Davenport to make informed choices regarding their career paths.
More salary data for Davenport, IA:
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 Davenport. 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