Paralegal Hourly Pay in Brandon, MS: $25.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Brandon, MS runs $25.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,169 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Brandon's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,908 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, paralegal hourly pay in Brandon, Mississippi is projected to reach a median rate of $25.57, which falls significantly below the national median of $31.30. This discrepancy highlights the local wage dynamics and the implications for professionals considering various work structures, such as part-time or per-diem positions. Part-time paralegals working three days a week could expect to earn around $490 per week, offering flexibility but lower overall income compared to full-time roles. For those on the higher end of the spectrum, the hourly wage can peak at $39.62 for seasoned professionals, illustrating that experience and expertise in specific areas, such as e-discovery or trial preparation, can lead to substantial financial rewards. Entry-level positions, meanwhile, may find themselves earning as little as $19.06 per hour, setting the stage for varying career trajectories based on individual skill sets and market demands.
About the Brandon Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.06 | $152.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.89 | $167.11 |
| Median (P50) | $25.57 | $204.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.60 | $260.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.62 | $316.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brandon
Based on $25.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.57/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brandon, MS can expect to earn approximately $53,179 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,680. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brandon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brandon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,022.68 | $4,432 | $53,179 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $613.61 | $2,659 | $31,908 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.07 | $1,773 | $21,272 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Brandon) | $25.57 |
| 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 Brandon, MS earn a median of $53,169 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.32% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.70% below the Mississippi state average of $55,791.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.57/hr = $31,908/year (purchasing power: $37,232).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,179/year (purchasing power: $62,053).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.70/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Brandon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.46/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Brandon grew 21.6% from $20.32/hr (2019) to $24.70/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.46/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 Brandon 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 Brandon
Exploring part-time income in Brandon, paralegals working an average of 24 hours a week could net approximately $25,000 annually. This figure contrasts sharply with full-time earnings, underscoring the financial limitations that come with reduced hours. Per diem paralegal pay in Brandon ranges broadly, with agency and contract positions typically offering between $25 to $50 per hour. Contract workers specializing in e-discovery are often in high demand, fetching $30-$60 per hour, while freelance paralegals working for small businesses might see rates from $40 to $75 per hour. With law firms of varying sizes and public sector roles in play, hourly pay reflects the type of organization one works for and can significantly impact overall compensation. Additionally, many paralegals face trade-offs between slightly lower hourly rates that come with benefits such as health insurance and premium pay without those perks. For those negotiating salary, understanding the typical rates and demonstrating specialized skills can enhance their position in Brandon's evolving market.
More salary data for Brandon, MS:
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 Brandon. 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 Brandon 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