Paralegal Hourly Pay in Derry, NH: $32.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Derry, NH runs $32.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,041 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Derry's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.3, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Derry, New Hampshire, the projected paralegal hourly pay for 2026 is $32.23, which slightly exceeds the national median of $31.30. This competitive rate benefits part-time workers who might choose to work three days a week, allowing for a flexible schedule alongside their commitments. For those engaged in per-diem positions, the range of responsibilities varies from working within law firms to supporting corporate legal departments, government offices, or even court filing windows. Entry-level positions typically start at around $24.53 per hour, while experienced paralegals with specialized skills can earn up to $49.95, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in this profession across different environments.
About the Derry Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.53 | $196.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.61 | $212.90 |
| Median (P50) | $32.23 | $257.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.26 | $330.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.95 | $399.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Derry
Based on $32.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.23/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Derry, NH can expect to earn approximately $67,045 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,680. With a cost-of-living index of 107.30 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Derry.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Derry
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,289.32 | $5,587 | $67,045 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $773.59 | $3,352 | $40,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $515.73 | $2,235 | $26,818 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Derry) | $32.23 |
| 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 Derry, NH earn a median of $67,041 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.99% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 4.00% below the New Hampshire state average of $69,835.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.23/hr = $40,227/year (purchasing power: $37,490).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,045/year (purchasing power: $62,483).
CoL index: 107.3 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Derry (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.84/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.31/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.36/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Derry grew 21.6% from $25.62/hr (2019) to $31.14/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.36/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 Derry 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 Derry
For paralegals opting for part-time positions, earning potential can differ significantly. A paralegal working three days a week might take home a considerably lower income than their full-time counterparts, translating to a lower annual income overall. The per diem paralegal pay in Derry often varies, with standard contract work billing between $25 and $50 per hour, while specialized roles like e-discovery review command even higher rates, between $30 and $60 per hour. Freelance paralegals serving smaller businesses typically see pay between $40 and $75 per hour, with trial preparation roles reaching $50 to $90 during litigation. Rates can fluctuate depending on the type of employer, whether it's a boutique law firm or a government legal office, and this variability influences many paralegals' decision-making, balancing higher hourly rates with the potential for included benefits in salaried positions. Proper negotiation tactics are vital; paralegals should articulate their value and be prepared to discuss their specific skills, particularly in e-discovery, which can command premium compensation.
More salary data for Derry, NH:
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 Derry. 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 Derry 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