Paralegal Hourly Pay in Richfield, MN: $28.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Richfield, MN runs $28.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,712 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Richfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,822 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For paralegals in Richfield, Minnesota, the projected hourly rate in 2026 is approximately $28.70. This figure is slightly lower than the national average of $31.30. Such an hourly wage reflects the financial environment in which legal professionals operate across various settings, from bustling law firms and corporate legal departments to government attorney offices and trial preparation spaces. For those working part-time schedules, such as three days a week, the earnings can provide a steady income without the commitment of full-time work. The hourly range is broad, beginning around $21.89 for entry-level positions and extending to $44.50 for experienced professionals, illustrating the diverse nature of paralegal roles in Richfield.
About the Richfield 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) | $21.89 | $175.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.82 | $190.54 |
| Median (P50) | $28.70 | $229.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.27 | $282.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.50 | $355.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Richfield
Based on $28.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.70/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Richfield, MN can expect to earn approximately $59,703 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,444. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Richfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Richfield
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,148.13 | $4,975 | $59,703 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.88 | $2,985 | $35,822 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.25 | $1,990 | $23,881 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Richfield) | $28.70 |
| 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 Richfield, MN earn a median of $59,712 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.27% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.70% below the Minnesota state average of $62,006.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.70/hr = $35,822/year (purchasing power: $36,367).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,703/year (purchasing power: $60,612).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.81/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Richfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.71/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Richfield grew 21.6% from $22.81/hr (2019) to $27.73/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.71/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 Richfield 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 Richfield
When considering part-time work, a paralegal working just 24 hours a week could earn approximately $36,000 annually, allowing flexibility in career pursuit while still securing reliable income. Contract and per-diem paralegal roles offer an alternative path, often billing between $25 and $90 per hour depending on the service type and client needs. This variability results in a significant difference across employer types in Richfield. While large law firms may pay higher rates, corporate settings may offer more predictable schedules and benefits. Freelance paralegals might achieve hourly rates of $40 to $75, but without consistent benefits that full-time positions may provide. The trade-off between lower hourly rates for jobs with health insurance versus higher pay without benefits is a critical consideration for many in the profession. It's vital for paralegals to negotiate effectively, understanding their worth in the local market, especially with Richfield’s unique blend of legal organizations and services.
More salary data for Richfield, 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 Richfield. 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 Richfield 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