Paralegal Hourly Pay in Utica, NY: $27.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Utica, NY runs $27.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,775 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Utica's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,065 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the paralegal hourly pay in Utica, New York, is projected to be $27.30, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate allows for various work arrangements, making it feasible for part-time professionals or those seeking per-diem positions. Paralegals in Utica typically work in diverse settings such as law firm offices, corporate legal departments, and government offices, along with opportunities for remote work in e-discovery roles. The hourly pay range in Utica varies widely for paralegals, from around $22.39 for entry-level positions to $39.33 for the most experienced professionals, reflecting the demand for specialized paralegal skills. These figures are based on official BLS data from 2025, projected to 2026.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.39 | $179.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.12 | $192.94 |
| Median (P50) | $27.30 | $218.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.41 | $259.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.33 | $314.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Utica
Based on $27.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.30/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Utica, NY can expect to earn approximately $56,775 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,755. With a cost-of-living index of 92.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Utica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Utica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,091.82 | $4,731 | $56,775 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.09 | $2,839 | $34,065 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.73 | $1,892 | $22,710 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Utica) | $27.30 |
| 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 Utica, NY earn a median of $56,775 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.78% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 9.20% below the New York state average of $62,528.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.30/hr = $34,065/year (purchasing power: $36,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,775/year (purchasing power: $61,260).
CoL index: 92.678 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.25/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Utica grew 18.8% from $22.20/hr (2019) to $26.37/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.25/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 Utica 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 Utica
Part-time paralegals in Utica working three days a week, around 24 hours, could expect to bring home approximately $32,784 annually, which is significantly lower compared to their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the need for budgeting and additional income streams. For those considering contract or freelance work, per diem paralegal pay in Utica can vary widely; billing rates start around $25 to $50 per hour, depending on the specific role, with e-discovery specialists often commanding up to $60 per hour. Furthermore, freelance corporate paralegals can charge between $40 and $75, while trial preparation contract paralegals might earn rates as high as $90 during active litigation. It’s crucial to recognize that hourly rates differ based on the type of employer, such as law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies. Acceptance of lower hourly rates for additional benefits like health insurance is a common trade-off, and paralegals should carefully evaluate their options during negotiations. Knowledge of local market rates can empower paralegals in Utica to advocate for more competitive pay, making it essential to understand the specific factors influencing their compensation in the region.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
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 Utica. 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