Paralegal Hourly Pay in Bloomington, MN: $37.25 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Bloomington, MN runs $37.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Bloomington's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,492 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bloomington, Minnesota, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to be $37.25 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $31.30. This elevated hourly rate offers a favorable foundation for paralegals who may choose part-time work, such as those working three days a week in various professional settings, including law firm paralegal cubicles and remote e-discovery review environments. Individuals stepping into entry-level roles can expect to start at $27.04, while experienced professionals and top earners can reach up to $57.75 per hour. The range reflects a diverse spectrum of competencies within the paralegal profession and positions Bloomington as a competitive market for paralegal services in terms of hourly compensation.
About the Bloomington Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $27.04 | $216.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.16 | $233.27 |
| Median (P50) | $37.25 | $298.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.43 | $379.43 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.75 | $461.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bloomington
Based on $37.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.25/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bloomington, MN can expect to earn approximately $77,487 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,704. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bloomington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bloomington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,490.13 | $6,457 | $77,487 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $894.08 | $3,874 | $46,492 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $596.05 | $2,583 | $30,995 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Bloomington) | $37.25 |
| 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 Bloomington, MN earn a median of $77,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.05% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 25.00% above the Minnesota state average of $61,998.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.25/hr = $46,492/year (purchasing power: $47,200).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,487/year (purchasing power: $78,667).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$29.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.25/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Bloomington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $32.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.56/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Bloomington grew 21.6% from $29.61/hr (2019) to $35.99/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.56/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 Bloomington 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 Bloomington
While full-time paralegals enjoy stable weekly earnings, those working part-time can still generate substantial income. For example, a paralegal working 24 hours a week would retain a yearly income lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still significantly above traditional part-time roles. Per diem paralegal pay in Bloomington typically ranges from $25 to $50 per hour, with e-discovery specialists earning between $30 and $60 an hour, showcasing the industry's varying financial opportunities. Contract and freelance work, particularly during intense litigation periods, can even push hourly rates to between $50 and $90. Employment in law firms or corporate settings may offer benefits, which could influence hourly decisions as paralegals weigh higher pay against job security and health insurance. Negotiation strategies should emphasize the unique skills offered, particularly when positioning oneself in the e-discovery niche, aligning with the recognized standards of NALA and NFPA certifications to maximize earning potential.
More salary data for Bloomington, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Bloomington in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Bloomington?
Are paralegals in Bloomington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Bloomington?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Bloomington?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 Bloomington. 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 Bloomington 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