Paralegal Hourly Pay in Wildwood, MO: $24.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Wildwood, MO runs $24.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,625 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Wildwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,370 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wildwood, Missouri, the paralegal hourly pay averages $24.34, which is notably below the national median hourly rate of $31.30. This discrepancy reflects the region's cost of living index of 89.6, indicating a somewhat lower cost of living compared to national averages. Those working in traditional roles—such as in law firms, corporate legal departments, or governmental legal offices—may find this rate to suit a variety of part-time arrangements, allowing for three-day work weeks that yield a manageable income for many professionals. Entry-level paralegals can expect to earn around $17.82 per hour, while seasoned professionals at the top of the pay scale earn upwards of $37.39. These figures serve as estimates based on projected annual salary data, painting a picture of the potential landscape for paralegals in Wildwood.
About the Wildwood 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) | $17.82 | $142.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.59 | $156.76 |
| Median (P50) | $24.34 | $194.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.25 | $241.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.39 | $299.10 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wildwood
Based on $24.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.34/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wildwood, MO can expect to earn approximately $50,617 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,202. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wildwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wildwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $973.41 | $4,218 | $50,617 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $584.04 | $2,531 | $30,370 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $389.36 | $1,687 | $20,247 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Wildwood) | $24.34 |
| 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 Wildwood, MO earn a median of $50,625 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.23% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 0.80% below the Missouri state average of $51,033.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.34/hr = $30,370/year (purchasing power: $33,895).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,617/year (purchasing power: $56,492).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Wildwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.78/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Wildwood grew 21.6% from $19.34/hr (2019) to $23.51/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.19/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 Wildwood 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 Wildwood
With the potential for flexible schedules, part-time paralegals working 24 hours a week may realize an annual take-home significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, inherently limiting their overall earning potential. On the other hand, per diem employment is attractive for those seeking higher hourly compensation, often ranging from $25 to $50 per hour for contract work. More specialized roles, such as e-discovery specialists, can command rates of $30 to $60 per hour, while freelance paralegals in corporate settings typically see earnings between $40 and $75 per hour. Paralegals in Wildwood face a unique trade-off; while some may choose lower hourlies for the prospect of health benefits, others might prioritize higher pay without health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay in Wildwood can hinge on understanding the diverse employer types—from small law firms to larger corporate legal departments—and utilizing research from associations like NALA and NFPA as leverage during discussions.
More salary data for Wildwood, MO:
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 Wildwood. 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 Wildwood 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