Paralegal Hourly Pay in Rochester, NY: $28.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Rochester, NY runs $28.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Rochester's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.0, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,550 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Rochester, NY, paralegals earn a median hourly pay of $28.49, which falls below the national median of $31.30. This discrepancy in hourly rates can affect part-time and per-diem workers, who might work three days a week in settings that include law firm cubicles, corporate offices, or even remote e-discovery review spaces. For those entering the profession, entry-level positions typically start at about $21.45 per hour, while top earners in the field can make as much as $40.72, reflecting the various experience levels and specialties within the job market. The data presented is based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026 and highlights the financial landscape for paralegals specifically in Rochester.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.45 | $171.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.45 | $179.61 |
| Median (P50) | $28.49 | $227.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.51 | $260.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.72 | $325.77 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rochester
Based on $28.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.49/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rochester, NY can expect to earn approximately $59,251 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,183. With a cost-of-living index of 97.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rochester.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rochester
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.44 | $4,938 | $59,251 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.66 | $2,963 | $35,550 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.78 | $1,975 | $23,700 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Rochester) | $28.49 |
| 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 Rochester, NY earn a median of $59,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.97% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.20% below the New York state average of $62,510.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.49/hr = $35,550/year (purchasing power: $36,637).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,251/year (purchasing power: $61,061).
CoL index: 97.035 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.52/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.49/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Rochester grew 36.3% from $20.19/hr (2019) to $27.52/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.49/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 Rochester 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 Rochester
While many paralegals in Rochester may consider part-time work, it's important to understand the practical implications of a reduced schedule. A paralegal working 24 hours a week would take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts, potentially impacting long-term financial security. Additionally, contract or per-diem paralegals might earn between $25 and $50 per hour, with specialties like e-discovery review commanding rates from $30 to $60 per hour. Pay can vary based on the employer type—BigLaw, mid-sized firms, and corporate legal departments often offer different hourly rates, influenced by benefits such as health insurance alongside compensation. Understanding how to negotiate rates effectively can make a difference in maximizing overall earnings, especially for those assessing the trade-offs of lower hourly rates that come with additional benefits in stable work environments versus higher rates in more volatile contract opportunities.
More salary data for Rochester, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Rochester in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Rochester?
Are paralegals in Rochester paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Rochester?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Rochester?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in New York
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 Rochester. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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