Paralegal Hourly Pay in Hays, KS: $26.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Hays, KS runs $26.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,403 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Hays's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,238 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Paralegals in Hays, Kansas, can expect a median hourly pay of $26.63, reflecting a 14.89% decrease from the national median of $31.30. This rate is significant for part-time workers who may toil in law firm cubicles or assist in corporate legal departments, as it translates into an income conducive to supporting a balanced lifestyle. For those in per-diem roles, this hourly compensation could yield a comfortable earning potential, especially in local government attorney offices or during real estate transactions, where the demand for paralegals is steady. With an hourly range from $21.19 for entry-level positions to $40.81 for top earners, the financial landscape for paralegal hourly pay in Hays indicates both opportunities and avenues for professional growth.
About the Hays Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.19 | $169.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.55 | $180.44 |
| Median (P50) | $26.63 | $213.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.31 | $266.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.81 | $326.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hays
Based on $26.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.63/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hays, KS can expect to earn approximately $55,397 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,960. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hays.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hays
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,065.32 | $4,616 | $55,397 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $639.19 | $2,770 | $33,238 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $426.13 | $1,847 | $22,159 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Hays) | $26.63 |
| 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 Hays, KS earn a median of $55,403 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 6.40% below the Kansas state average of $59,191.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.63/hr = $33,238/year (purchasing power: $36,566).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,397/year (purchasing power: $60,943).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.17/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Hays (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.17/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.01/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Hays grew 21.6% from $21.17/hr (2019) to $25.73/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.57/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 Hays 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 Hays
For paralegals opting for part-time work, specifically three days a week at 24 hours, the annual take-home can significantly diverge from that of full-time counterparts. This arrangement often allows for flexibility while still generating a respectable income. In addition, per diem paralegal pay in Hays often varies, with contract work typically billing between $25 and $50 per hour, while specialized e-discovery roles might fetch $30 to $60. Freelance corporate paralegals can command impressive rates, averaging $40-$75. Varied employer types greatly influence hourly rates; BigLaw firms may offer higher wages but can entail demanding hours, while corporate legal departments often provide more stable environments with benefits—albeit at potentially lower hourly rates. As such, understanding these dynamics is crucial for paralegals in Hays looking to negotiate their pay effectively. Balancing hourly pursuits with the benefits offered by employers remains a vital consideration for many in the profession.
More salary data for Hays, KS:
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 Hays. 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 Hays 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