Paralegal Hourly Pay in Lakeville, MN: $29.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Lakeville, MN runs $29.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,908 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Lakeville's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,545 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, paralegals in Lakeville, Minnesota will see a median hourly pay of $29.28, which is slightly below the national median of $31.30. This pay scale not only affects full-time positions but also offers substantial opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, this translates into a reliable income while avoiding full-time commitments. Entry-level paralegals can expect to start in the range of $21.73 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn up to $45.39, allowing flexibility for law firms, in-house corporate legal departments, and contract roles alike. The positions may be located in traditional settings like law offices, government agencies, or even remote environments that require e-discovery review expertise, reflecting a dynamic work atmosphere for paralegals in Lakeville.
About the Lakeville 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) | $21.73 | $173.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.91 | $191.29 |
| Median (P50) | $29.28 | $234.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.52 | $292.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.39 | $363.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lakeville
Based on $29.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.28/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lakeville, MN can expect to earn approximately $60,909 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,140. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lakeville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lakeville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.32 | $5,076 | $60,909 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.79 | $3,045 | $36,545 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.53 | $2,030 | $24,363 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Lakeville) | $29.28 |
| 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 Lakeville, MN earn a median of $60,908 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.44% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.70% below the Minnesota state average of $61,962.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.28/hr = $36,545/year (purchasing power: $37,102).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,909/year (purchasing power: $61,836).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Lakeville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.31/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Lakeville grew 21.6% from $23.27/hr (2019) to $28.29/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.31/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 Lakeville 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 Lakeville
The potential for part-time paralegals working in Lakeville reveals a compelling earnings scenario. A paralegal working 24 hours a week could bring in about $36,358 annually, which may suit those seeking to balance personal commitments with professional ambitions. Within the freelance sector, per diem paralegal pay can vary widely, with some contract paralegals billing anywhere from $25 to $90 per hour depending on their specialization and client demands. For example, experienced e-discovery specialists often command $30 to $60 per hour, while trial preparation professionals may fetch even higher rates. It’s also worth noting that hourly pay rates can differ based on the employer; for instance, those employed by larger law firms might earn more than those in public defender offices. Paralegals in Lakeville must weigh their hourly pay against benefits like health insurance when considering job offers, and understanding market demands can be crucial for negotiating wages. For new paralegals entering the market, showcasing e-discovery proficiency or obtaining certification from recognized organizations such as NALA or NFPA may bolster their earning potential in this competitive field.
More salary data for Lakeville, MN:
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 Lakeville. 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 Lakeville 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