Paralegal Hourly Pay in Clinton, MS: $24.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Clinton, MS runs $24.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,294 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,771 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Mississippi, paralegals earn a median hourly rate of $24.66, notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This difference reflects the regional economic climate and may influence the decisions of those considering part-time or per-diem work. For instance, a part-time paralegal working three days a week at this rate would generate around $31,248 annually, which showcases the potential for legal professionals looking for flexible work arrangements. The hourly pay ranges from $18.89 for entry-level positions to as high as $37.02 for more experienced paralegals. Given the nature of legal work in environments such as law offices, corporate legal departments, or even remote e-discovery settings, this hourly compensation plays a critical role for professionals navigating their careers in the legal field.
About the Clinton 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) | $18.89 | $151.12 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.33 | $162.63 |
| Median (P50) | $24.66 | $197.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.31 | $242.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.02 | $296.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $24.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.66/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, MS can expect to earn approximately $51,285 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,587. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $986.24 | $4,274 | $51,285 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.75 | $2,564 | $30,771 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.50 | $1,709 | $20,514 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Clinton) | $24.66 |
| 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 Clinton, MS earn a median of $51,294 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.20% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 8.10% below the Mississippi state average of $55,815.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.66/hr = $30,771/year (purchasing power: $35,905).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,285/year (purchasing power: $59,842).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Clinton grew 21.6% from $19.60/hr (2019) to $23.82/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.52/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 Clinton 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 Clinton
For those considering part-time positions in Clinton, the annual income reflects a substantial difference compared to full-time work. A paralegal working 24 hours a week can expect to take home about $31,248 per year, a figure that may greatly vary in per-diem or contract scenarios. In the contract sector, paralegal hourly pay often climbs higher, with per diem workers billing rates between $25 and $50 per hour. Specialists in e-discovery can command fees from $30 to $60 per hour, while corporate freelance paralegals working for smaller firms can earn between $40 and $75. Employment type significantly impacts pay; those in BigLaw might face demanding schedules but earn higher rates, while in-house paralegals enjoy a better work-life balance with steady compensation. Negotiating hourly rates in Clinton requires understanding of local market trends and the ability to weigh benefits like health insurance against higher pay without benefits. Familiarizing yourself with the pay scales offered by different employer types, ranging from state government offices to private legal firms, can enhance your negotiation strategies as you progress within the profession.
More salary data for Clinton, 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 Clinton. 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 Clinton 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