Paralegal Hourly Pay in Dracut, MA: $31.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Dracut, MA runs $31.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,511 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Dracut's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,702 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Paralegals in Dracut, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly pay of $31.01, which is slightly below the national median of $31.30. This compensation provides a solid foundation for both part-time positions—such as those working just three days a week—and per-diem roles often seen in various legal settings. Typical environments for paralegal work include law firms, corporate legal offices, government agencies, and even remote e-discovery reviews. For entry-level paralegals, hourly wages begin at about $23.50, while those with more experience can ascend to as much as $48.07 per hour. Given that these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data projections for 2026, they offer insight into what professionals in the field can realistically expect when seeking employment in Dracut.
About the Dracut 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) | $23.50 | $187.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.53 | $204.20 |
| Median (P50) | $31.01 | $248.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.11 | $312.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.07 | $384.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dracut
Based on $31.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.01/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dracut, MA can expect to earn approximately $64,504 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,214. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dracut.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dracut
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,240.46 | $5,375 | $64,504 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.28 | $3,225 | $38,702 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.19 | $2,150 | $25,802 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Dracut) | $31.01 |
| 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 Dracut, MA earn a median of $64,511 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.90% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $67,339.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.01/hr = $38,702/year (purchasing power: $35,670).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,504/year (purchasing power: $59,451).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Dracut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.10/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Dracut grew 21.6% from $24.65/hr (2019) to $29.96/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.10/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 Dracut 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 Dracut
Considering the varied work structures within the paralegal profession, part-time paralegals can expect to earn a substantial income, even with a limited 24-hour work week. For those who opt for part-time roles, this results in an annual take-home pay that reflects their calculated hourly wages compared to full-time earnings. The landscape of per-diem and contract work also presents compelling opportunities, with billing rates frequently ranging from $25 to $90 per hour depending on the specific task and contract type. Employer type further influences earnings, with law firms providing different rates compared to corporate or government roles. While some paralegals may choose positions that offer higher hourly wages without benefits, others might prefer the stability and health insurance that comes with lower-paying full-time jobs. Negotiating actively for hourly compensation in Dracut can benefit from highlighting one's specialized skills, especially in e-discovery, vital in today's legal landscape.
More salary data for Dracut, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Dracut in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Dracut?
Are paralegals in Dracut paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Dracut?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Dracut?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Massachusetts
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 Dracut. 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 Dracut 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