Paralegal Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $24.80 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Laurel, MS runs $24.80 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,596 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,952 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Mississippi, the projected median paralegal hourly pay for 2026 stands at $24.80, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.30. This pay level illustrates the financial landscape for those working as paralegals in various environments such as law firms, corporate legal departments, government offices, and remote e-discovery review sites. For part-time workers, assuming a three-day work week, this hourly rate translates into a decently sustainable income, although full-time positions offer more long-term financial security. Entry-level paralegals can expect to earn around $19.24, while those with substantial experience and specialization in e-discovery or trial preparation may have the potential to earn as much as $37.44 per hour.
About the Laurel 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) | $19.24 | $153.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.63 | $165.04 |
| Median (P50) | $24.80 | $198.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.69 | $245.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.44 | $299.52 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $24.80/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.80/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $51,586 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,761. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $992.04 | $4,299 | $51,586 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $595.22 | $2,579 | $30,952 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.82 | $1,720 | $20,634 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Laurel) | $24.80 |
| 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 Laurel, MS earn a median of $51,596 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.74% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $55,779.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.80/hr = $30,952/year (purchasing power: $36,116).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,586/year (purchasing power: $60,194).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.80/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.80/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Laurel grew 21.6% from $19.71/hr (2019) to $23.96/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.67/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Analyzing the opportunities available to paralegals in Laurel reveals a nuanced picture of employment and compensation. A part-time paralegal working 24 hours per week would take home significantly less annually than a full-time counterpart, raising questions about work-life balance and job satisfaction. Per diem paralegals can command rates ranging from $25 to $50 per hour, providing flexibility but often at the cost of benefits. Freelance paralegals may find lucrative opportunities billing $40 to $75 per hour working with small businesses or during high-stakes litigation. The type of employer plays an essential role in determining pay as well; BigLaw firms often offer higher rates but demand longer hours, while government roles might provide competitive benefits despite lower hourly wages. Paralegals in Laurel should strategically negotiate their pay, weighing the value of benefits against higher hourly rates available in freelance or contract work.
More salary data for Laurel, 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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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