Paralegal Salary

Paralegal Hourly Pay in Bellevue, NE: $27.73 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Bellevue, NE runs $27.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,678 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.31 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,607 per year.

$57,678
Median Annual Salary
$27.73/hr
Hourly Rate
$41,294
Entry Level (P10)
$89,401
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Paralegal Hourly Rate in Bellevue, NE — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bellevue, NE paralegal hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Bellevue, Nebraska, paralegals earn a median hourly pay of $27.73, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate provides a clear picture for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, particularly in typical environments such as law firms, corporate legal departments, or remote e-discovery review settings. Working three days a week, a paralegal would typically log 24 hours, translating their earnings to around $1,200 per week or approximately $62,400 annually before taxes. Entry-level positions start at around $19.85 per hour, while more experienced individuals can reach up to $42.98 per hour. The hourly rates presented here are estimated based on projected annual salary data, reflecting the consistent demand for legal support across various sectors in Bellevue.

About the Bellevue Market

Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$19.85$158.83
Lower Range (P25)$22.17$177.37
Median (P50)$27.73$221.84
Upper Range (P75)$35.49$283.95
Top Earners (P90)$42.98$343.82

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue

Based on $27.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a paralegal in Bellevue earning $27.73/hr would make approximately $33,276 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $57,679 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$33,276Reduced (32 hr/wk)$44,369Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$57,679

At $27.73/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, NE can expect to earn approximately $57,679 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,276. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bellevue.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$221.84
per 8hr shift
$1,109.21
per week
$4,807
per month
$57,679
per year

Schedule Comparison in Bellevue

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,109.21$4,807$57,679
Part-Time (24 hrs)$665.53$2,884$34,607
Per Diem (16 hrs)$443.69$1,923$23,072

Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Paralegal (Bellevue)$27.73
Lawyer (National Avg)$81.25
Legal Secretary (National Avg)$26.86
Court Reporter (National Avg)$30.10
Title Examiner / Abstractor (National Avg)$29.85
Horizontal bar chart comparing paralegal median salary in Bellevue ($57,678) with Nebraska average ($59,585) and the US national median ($65,097).Bellevue$57,678Nebraska Avg$59,585-3.20%US National$65,097-11.40%

Paralegals in Bellevue, NE earn a median of $57,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.40% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.20% below the Nebraska state average of $59,585.

Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $27.73/hr = $34,607/year (purchasing power: $37,822).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,679/year (purchasing power: $63,037).

CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$22.04/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$26.79/hr

2026 Current Est.

$27.73/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+30.2%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Bellevue (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for paralegals in Bellevue. Baseline $22.04/hr in 2025, projected to $28.70/hr by 2027.$21$23$25$28$302019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$22.04$22.54$23.95$25.22$25.97$23.00$26.79$27.73$28.70
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$22.04/hrActual
2020$22.54/hrActual
2021$23.95/hrActual
2022$25.22/hrActual
2023$25.97/hrActual
2024$23.00/hrActual
2025$26.79/hrActual
2026(current)$27.73/hrEstimated
2027$28.70/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Bellevue grew 21.6% from $22.04/hr (2019) to $26.79/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.70/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem paralegals can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Bellevue

When examining part-time and freelance opportunities for paralegals, significant earning potential arises in various niches. For instance, a paralegal working three days a week at the median hourly rate manages an annual income markedly lower than a full-timer, typically relying on supplementary income to maintain a steady cash flow. In contrast, per diem roles often command rates that vary widely from $25 to $50 per hour for contract work, while specialists in e-discovery can see compensation as high as $60 per hour. Different employer types influence compensation as well: traditional law firms typically offer lower hourly rates than in-house corporate legal departments. Some paralegals willingly accept lower hourly wages for the benefits associated with full-time employment, while others may prioritize higher pay without benefits. Negotiating effectively is critical in Bellevue’s legal job market, particularly for hourly workers. Understanding local rates and the specific skills that enhance value, such as specialized training in e-discovery or compliance work, can help paralegals secure better pay and terms reflective of their expertise in the field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Bellevue in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for paralegals in Bellevue is $27.73/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.51% annual growth). Rates range from $19.85 at entry level (10th percentile) to $42.98 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 11.4% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time paralegals make in Bellevue?

A part-time paralegal working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Bellevue earns approximately $2,884/month, or $34,607/year at the median hourly rate of $27.73. Many paralegals prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are paralegals in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?

The majority of paralegals in Bellevue are paid hourly at a median rate of $27.73/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $57,679/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Bellevue?

A full-time paralegal working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Bellevue earns approximately $57,679/year at the median hourly rate of $27.73. This is 11.4% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $89,393/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Bellevue?

Part-time and per diem paralegals in Bellevue sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $42.98/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Nebraska

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

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 Bellevue. 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 Bellevue is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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