Paralegal Hourly Pay in Franklin, NJ: $36.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Franklin, NJ runs $36.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,027 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Franklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,614 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Franklin, NJ, paralegals offer competitive compensation, with a median hourly pay of $36.55, significantly higher than the national median of $31.30. This rate provides both full-time and part-time professionals ample incentive to join the industry. For those working part-time, such as 24 hours spread over three days a week, this translates to a stable income that allows for a work-life balance. The hourly range for paralegals varies widely from entry-level positions starting at about $26.08 to seasoned professionals earning as much as $56.65. This range is reflective of the demand for skilled paralegals in various environments, including law firm paralegal cubicles, corporate legal departments, government offices, and even remote e-discovery teams, where flexible schedules are increasingly common.
About the Franklin 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) | $26.08 | $208.68 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.04 | $232.36 |
| Median (P50) | $36.55 | $292.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.21 | $369.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.65 | $453.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Franklin
Based on $36.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.55/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Franklin, NJ can expect to earn approximately $76,023 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,859. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Franklin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Franklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,461.98 | $6,335 | $76,023 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $877.19 | $3,801 | $45,614 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $584.79 | $2,534 | $30,409 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Franklin) | $36.55 |
| 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 Franklin, NJ earn a median of $76,027 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.79% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $74,977.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.55/hr = $45,614/year (purchasing power: $39,595).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,023/year (purchasing power: $65,992).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.31/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Franklin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $31.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $33.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.31/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Franklin grew 21.6% from $29.05/hr (2019) to $35.31/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.83/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 Franklin 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 Franklin
Examining the earnings landscape further, part-time paralegals working 24 hours weekly can earn approximately $45,000 annually, which stands in contrast to their full-time counterparts. With the growth of contract work, per diem paralegals in Franklin can expect pay rates that fluctuate based on the nature of their assignment, from $25-$50/hr for general tasks to as much as $50-$90/hr for trial preparation roles. Different employer types significantly impact hourly wages: professionals in BigLaw may earn top-tier rates, but may also face demanding hours, while corporate legal departments often emphasize work-life balance over peak pay. NALA and NFPA certifications can further enhance a paralegal's marketability and earning potential, especially in e-discovery roles, which are typically compensated at a premium. When negotiating pay, paralegals should assess their need for health insurance and other benefits against potential hourly wage gains, carefully considering the trade-offs of various employment scenarios in the Franklin market.
More salary data for Franklin, 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 Franklin. 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 Franklin 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