Paralegal Hourly Pay in Bozeman, MT: $29.42 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Bozeman, MT runs $29.42 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,195 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Bozeman's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.5, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,713 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bozeman, Montana, the paralegal hourly pay stands at a median of $29.42, which reflects a slight difference compared to the national median hourly rate of $31.30. This rate significantly influences the earnings of part-time employees and those working on a per-diem basis. For paralegals working three days a week in traditional settings like law firms, corporate legal departments, or remotely, this hourly wage can lead to substantial supplemental income. Entry-level paralegals may see hourly rates starting as low as $23.33, while seasoned professionals can command up to $38.21 per hour, indicating a robust range of earning potential within the profession. This information is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected for 2026.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.33 | $186.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.12 | $200.98 |
| Median (P50) | $29.42 | $235.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.63 | $277.08 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.21 | $305.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bozeman
Based on $29.42/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.42/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bozeman, MT can expect to earn approximately $61,188 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,301. With a cost-of-living index of 102.51 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bozeman.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bozeman
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,176.70 | $5,099 | $61,188 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $706.02 | $3,059 | $36,713 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $470.68 | $2,040 | $24,475 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Bozeman) | $29.42 |
| 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 Bozeman, MT earn a median of $61,195 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.99% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 0.80% above the Montana state average of $60,709.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.42/hr = $36,713/year (purchasing power: $35,814).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,188/year (purchasing power: $59,690).
CoL index: 102.51 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.42/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.42/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Bozeman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.42/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.42/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.45/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Bozeman grew 21.6% from $23.38/hr (2019) to $28.42/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.45/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 Bozeman 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 Bozeman
Part-time paralegals working 24 hours a week can expect to take home approximately $36,576 annually, which is a considerable amount compared to many full-time roles, especially given the flexibility offered. The per diem and contract paralegal sector may provide varied earning opportunities, with rates typically ranging from $25 to $90 per hour based on assignment types and specialized skills, including e-discovery, which often pays premium rates for those skilled in technology platforms used in legal reviews. In Bozeman, compensation can differ significantly across employer types, reflecting factors such as the size and focus of law firms, in-house corporate pay structures, or governmental roles, with larger firms typically offering more competitive pay. Many paralegals may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for robust benefits, including health insurance. Those negotiating their rates should be aware of local pay standards and highlight their experience and certifications, as this can significantly influence their hourly pay in this region.
More salary data for Bozeman, MT:
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 Bozeman. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 2-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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