Paralegal Hourly Pay in Fall River, MA: $31.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Fall River, MA runs $31.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,486 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Fall River's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,891 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fall River, Massachusetts, the paralegal hourly pay stands at a median of $31.96, slightly above the national median of $31.30. This competitive rate can significantly impact the earnings of part-time and per-diem paralegals working in varied settings such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. Those in entry-level positions can expect to earn around $23.95 per hour, while more experienced paralegals may receive rates as high as $49.54 per hour. Such hourly figures are essential for planning work schedules, especially for those looking to work part-time, with many paralegals opting for flexible roles that allow them to balance work and personal commitments.
About the Fall River 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) | $23.95 | $191.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.28 | $210.25 |
| Median (P50) | $31.96 | $255.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.92 | $327.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.54 | $396.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fall River
Based on $31.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.96/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fall River, MA can expect to earn approximately $66,485 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,357. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fall River.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fall River
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,278.56 | $5,540 | $66,485 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $767.13 | $3,324 | $39,891 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $511.42 | $2,216 | $26,594 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Fall River) | $31.96 |
| 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 Fall River, MA earn a median of $66,486 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.13% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $67,361.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.96/hr = $39,891/year (purchasing power: $36,766).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,485/year (purchasing power: $61,276).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.88/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Fall River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.98/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.88/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Fall River grew 21.6% from $25.41/hr (2019) to $30.88/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.09/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 Fall River 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 Fall River
Evaluating part-time earnings reveals that a paralegal working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could expect an annual take-home pay significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. For instance, per-diem paralegals in Fall River often charge between $25 and $50 per hour depending on their expertise and the urgency of the work. Those specializing in e-discovery or trial preparation may find contract positions that yield even higher pay, ranging from $30 to $90 per hour. The compensation varies widely based on the type of employer, with larger law firms typically offering more competitive rates compared to small boutiques and governmental positions. While some paralegals may accept lower hourly rates for the inclusion of benefits like health insurance, others may pursue higher hourly contracts with the trade-off of no benefits. Negotiating effectively is crucial, considering local market rates and demonstrating one’s value in specialized areas, such as e-discovery, to secure the best possible compensation in the ongoing evolution of paralegal work in Fall River.
More salary data for Fall River, 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 Fall River. 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 Fall River 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