Paralegal Hourly Pay in Brunswick, ME: $28.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Brunswick, ME runs $28.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,999 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Brunswick's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,003 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For paralegals in Brunswick, ME, the median hourly compensation is projected to be $28.85 in 2026, which is noticeably lower than the national average of $31.30 per hour. This pay reflects the realities of a profession that often operates within the structured environments of law firms, corporate legal departments, and governmental legal offices. The hourly rate can range from $22.38 for entry-level positions to $44.54 for highly experienced professionals in the area. Part-time paralegals working three days a week can expect to earn weekly pay commensurate with this hourly rate, making the option attractive for those seeking flexibility in their careers. Additionally, per-diem paralegal work offers unique opportunities that allow professionals to either supplement their income or fully engage with assignments on an as-needed basis, guiding interactions across diverse legal settings in Brunswick.
About the Brunswick Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.38 | $179.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.01 | $192.11 |
| Median (P50) | $28.85 | $230.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.28 | $290.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.54 | $356.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brunswick
Based on $28.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.85/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brunswick, ME can expect to earn approximately $60,004 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,618. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brunswick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brunswick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,153.93 | $5,000 | $60,004 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $692.36 | $3,000 | $36,003 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $461.57 | $2,000 | $24,002 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Brunswick) | $28.85 |
| 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 Brunswick, ME earn a median of $59,999 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.83% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 7.50% below the Maine state average of $64,863.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.85/hr = $36,003/year (purchasing power: $36,147).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,004/year (purchasing power: $60,245).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.93/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Brunswick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.86/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Brunswick grew 21.6% from $22.93/hr (2019) to $27.87/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.86/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 Brunswick 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 Brunswick
Examining the earning potential for part-time paralegals reveals the financial dynamics at play. A paralegal committed to a three-day workweek totaling 24 hours can anticipate annual earnings that reflect their hourly pay rate, significantly influencing work-life balance decisions. Furthermore, the reality of per-diem or contract work in Brunswick sees varying hourly pay, with general contract paralegals often billing between $25 and $50 per hour. For specialized roles, such as e-discovery specialists—in demand for their expertise in software like Relativity—rates can rise to between $30 and $60. As employers like BigLaw firms, mid-sized legal practices, or corporate legal departments offer distinct pay scales, there exists a notable discrepancy based on workplace demands and job responsibilities. Professionals should be aware that accepting lower hourly rates for positions offering benefits may align better with long-term financial goals compared to higher rates without healthcare support. Additionally, those negotiating pay should focus on local benchmarks specific to Brunswick and consider emphasizing their specialized skills, especially in high-demand areas like e-discovery, to enhance their earning potential.
More salary data for Brunswick, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Brunswick in 2026?
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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 Brunswick. 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 Brunswick 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