Paralegal Hourly Pay in Maryland Heights, MO: $24.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Maryland Heights, MO runs $24.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,120 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Maryland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,073 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Paralegals in Maryland Heights, Missouri, earn a median hourly rate of $24.10, which is significantly lower than the national median of $31.30. For professionals working on a part-time basis, such as those employed three days per week, this hourly pay translates to an annual income that may not fully reflect the cost of living in the area, which has been estimated with a cost of living index of 89.6. Entry-level positions typically start at around $17.24 per hour, while more experienced paralegals can earn up to $37.35 hourly. These figures suggest that opportunities within law firms, corporate legal departments, or government agencies can vary greatly based on experience and specialization. The working environment for paralegals often includes law firm cubicles, corporate offices, and remote setups, promoting flexibility as many paralegals also engage in per-diem roles.
About the Maryland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Missouri average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.24 | $137.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.10 | $152.78 |
| Median (P50) | $24.10 | $192.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.66 | $237.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.35 | $298.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maryland Heights
Based on $24.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.10/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maryland Heights, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,122 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,917. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Maryland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maryland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $963.89 | $4,177 | $50,122 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $578.33 | $2,506 | $30,073 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $385.55 | $1,671 | $20,049 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Maryland Heights) | $24.10 |
| 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 Maryland Heights, MO earn a median of $50,120 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.01% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.80% below the Missouri state average of $51,038.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.10/hr = $30,073/year (purchasing power: $33,564).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,122/year (purchasing power: $55,940).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.15/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Maryland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.15/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.94/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Maryland Heights grew 21.6% from $19.15/hr (2019) to $23.28/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.94/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 Maryland Heights 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 Maryland Heights
For part-time paralegals working 24 hours a week, the annual income translates to approximately $29,952, which might limit financial stability compared to their full-time counterparts. Contract work for paralegals offers myriad options, with per diem paralegal pay in Maryland Heights generally ranging from $25 to $50 per hour, and specialized e-discovery professionals demanding higher rates of $30 to $60 per hour. Factors such as the type of employer play a crucial role—competition among BigLaw firms may drive up wages, while public-sector positions often provide more job security with less pay. Additionally, benefits play a significant role in compensation decisions; some paralegals might accept lower hourly wages for health insurance and retirement benefits, while others might prefer higher hourly rates without such perks. For those negotiating their hourly pay, it helps to be informed about industry standards and to highlight specialized training or certifications, such as those recognized by NALA and NFPA, particularly for roles involving e-discovery.
More salary data for Maryland Heights, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Related Pages
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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 Maryland Heights. 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 Maryland Heights 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