Paralegal Hourly Pay in Edison, NJ: $35.58 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Edison, NJ runs $35.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Edison's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,399 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Edison, NJ, offers a median paralegal hourly rate of $35.58 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median of $31.30. This competitive wage not only makes full-time paralegal positions attractive but also enhances the appeal for part-time roles and per diem workers. A paralegal working three days a week could earn around $27,000 annually, providing a viable option for professionals balancing multiple commitments. The hourly pay range in Edison spans from $25.05 at the entry level up to $55.14 for top earners, highlighting the potential for growth as one gains experience and specialization. Typical workplaces, such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices, offer distinct settings that can influence earning potential based on the level of demand for legal support staff.
About the Edison Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.05 | $200.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.11 | $224.91 |
| Median (P50) | $35.58 | $284.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $45.53 | $364.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.14 | $441.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edison
Based on $35.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.58/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edison, NJ can expect to earn approximately $73,999 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,692. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Edison.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edison
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,423.06 | $6,167 | $73,999 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $853.83 | $3,700 | $44,399 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.22 | $2,467 | $29,600 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Edison) | $35.58 |
| 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 Edison, NJ earn a median of $73,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.67% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 1.30% below the New Jersey state average of $74,969.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.58/hr = $44,399/year (purchasing power: $38,541).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,999/year (purchasing power: $64,235).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.28/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.58/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Edison (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $32.35/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.58/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Edison grew 21.6% from $28.28/hr (2019) to $34.37/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.83/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 Edison 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 Edison
For those in Edison considering part-time or per diem positions, the earnings can vary widely based on the type of engagement. A paralegal working on a per diem basis might charge anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour depending on the job's complexity and specificity. E-discovery specialists, particularly in high-demand cases, can command between $30 and $60 per hour, while freelance corporate paralegals might earn even more, typically ranging from $40 to $75 hourly. This variability reflects the importance of employer type; large law firms often pay more but may demand longer hours compared to smaller firms and in-house positions that may offer benefits but at lower pay rates. When negotiating hourly contracts, it's key to know the competitive rates in Edison and to weigh the value of benefits against higher hourly rates if going solo as a freelance or contract paralegal.
More salary data for Edison, NJ:
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 Edison. 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 Edison 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