Paralegal Hourly Pay in Billerica, MA: $31.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Billerica, MA runs $31.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,222 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Billerica's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,129 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Billerica, Massachusetts, the projected median paralegal hourly pay for 2026 stands at $31.35, slightly above the national median of $31.30. This competitive hourly rate reflects the local market for paralegals, indicating a sound opportunity for those in part-time positions or pursuing per-diem work arrangements. With a typical work schedule of three days a week, part-time paralegals can expect meaningful earnings while balancing other commitments. The hourly pay range stretches from $21.74 for entry-level positions to as high as $48.60 for the most experienced paralegals. These figures are derived from the annual salary estimates, emphasizing the potential earning opportunities within various legal environments, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and remote contract work.
About the Billerica Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.74 | $173.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.23 | $209.84 |
| Median (P50) | $31.35 | $250.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.89 | $319.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.60 | $388.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Billerica
Based on $31.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.35/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Billerica, MA can expect to earn approximately $65,215 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,624. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Billerica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Billerica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,254.13 | $5,435 | $65,215 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $752.48 | $3,261 | $39,129 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $501.65 | $2,174 | $26,086 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Billerica) | $31.35 |
| 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 Billerica, MA earn a median of $65,222 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.19% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 3.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $67,378.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.35/hr = $39,129/year (purchasing power: $36,063).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,215/year (purchasing power: $60,106).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Billerica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.37/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Billerica grew 21.6% from $24.92/hr (2019) to $30.29/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.45/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 Billerica 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 Billerica
Exploring the earning potential for part-time paralegals reveals that working 24 hours a week could yield approximately $39,176 annually, presenting a practical option compared to full-time roles. For those interested in contract or freelance opportunities, per-diem paralegal pay in Billerica can vary significantly, with billing rates typically ranging between $25 and $90 per hour, depending on the specialization and employer type. Employers such as BigLaw firms might offer premium compensation, although these positions often come with demanding workloads. In contrast, corporate legal departments frequently provide a better work-life balance, albeit potentially at lower hourly rates. Paralegals should consider their priorities regarding benefits versus pay when negotiating offers, as some may opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and stability. Moreover, those with specialties like e-discovery can anticipate rates that fall at the higher end of the scale, ranging from $30 to $60 per hour. Understanding these dynamics can empower paralegals in Billerica to make informed decisions about their career paths.
More salary data for Billerica, MA:
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 Billerica. 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 Billerica 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