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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.95/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.97/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.70/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bellevue 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 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.
More salary data for Bellevue, NE:
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 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).
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