Paralegal Hourly Pay in Peabody, MA: $32.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Peabody, MA runs $32.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,414 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Peabody's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,446 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Peabody, Massachusetts, the paralegal hourly pay stands at a median rate of $32.41, which slightly exceeds the national median of $31.30 per hour. This pay level provides noteworthy compensation for part-time paralegals working three days a week, especially in settings such as law firms, corporate legal departments, or remote e-discovery review roles. The hourly rates range from $22.45 for entry-level positions to $50.23 for top earners, indicating a rewarding trajectory for those who gain experience in the field. It is crucial to recognize that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reflecting the potential for consistent earnings throughout the workweek.
About the Peabody 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) | $22.45 | $179.61 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.48 | $211.82 |
| Median (P50) | $32.41 | $259.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.47 | $323.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.23 | $401.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Peabody
Based on $32.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.41/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Peabody, MA can expect to earn approximately $67,411 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,891. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Peabody.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Peabody
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,296.36 | $5,618 | $67,411 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.82 | $3,371 | $40,446 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.54 | $2,247 | $26,964 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Peabody) | $32.41 |
| 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 Peabody, MA earn a median of $67,414 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.56% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 0.10% above the Massachusetts state average of $67,347.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.41/hr = $40,446/year (purchasing power: $37,278).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,411/year (purchasing power: $62,130).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Peabody (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.35/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.59/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.55/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Peabody grew 21.6% from $25.76/hr (2019) to $31.31/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.55/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 Peabody 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 Peabody
For paralegals who choose to work part-time or engage in per-diem arrangements, the financial implications can vary significantly. A paralegal working 24 hours a week could expect to take home over $50,000 in annual income, offering a viable income for those seeking a work-life balance. On the contract side, hourly rates fluctuate widely; for instance, e-discovery specialists command between $30 and $60 per hour, while trial prep paralegals can earn as much as $90 hourly during active litigation. Pay rates also differ based on the employer type, with law firms typically offering higher wages compared to government or public defender offices. Additionally, many paralegals must weigh the benefits of steady employment with compensation that includes health insurance against the allure of higher hourly pay without benefits. Effective negotiation strategies can further enhance earning potential in Peabody's diverse job market, ensuring that paralegals maximize their compensation as they advance in their careers.
More salary data for Peabody, 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 Peabody. 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 Peabody 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