Paralegal Hourly Pay in High Point, NC: $28.73 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in High Point, NC runs $28.73 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,774 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against High Point's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,861 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In High Point, NC, the projected median hourly pay for paralegals is $28.73, which falls below the national median of $31.30. This difference highlights the unique economic landscape of the region, with various settings such as law firms, corporate legal offices, and government agencies offering distinct work environments. Part-time paralegals working three days a week can expect to earn a significant hourly rate, making this position a viable option for those seeking flexibility. Entry-level paralegals might start at about $20.58 per hour, while those with substantial experience can command rates as high as $44.54 per hour in specialized roles. These figures are derived from comprehensive annual salary data, underscoring the potential for part-time and per-diem paralegal work in High Point's legal sector.
About the High Point Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.58 | $164.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.97 | $183.75 |
| Median (P50) | $28.73 | $229.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.79 | $294.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.54 | $356.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in High Point
Based on $28.73/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.73/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in High Point, NC can expect to earn approximately $59,768 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,481. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in High Point.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in High Point
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,149.38 | $4,981 | $59,768 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $689.63 | $2,988 | $35,861 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.75 | $1,992 | $23,907 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (High Point) | $28.73 |
| 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 High Point, NC earn a median of $59,774 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.18% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 11.80% above the North Carolina state average of $53,465.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.73/hr = $35,861/year (purchasing power: $38,313).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,768/year (purchasing power: $63,854).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.73/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in High Point (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.73/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.74/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in High Point grew 21.6% from $22.84/hr (2019) to $27.76/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.74/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 High Point 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 High Point
For paralegals considering part-time positions, working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week translates to an annual income of approximately $35,910, providing a stable option compared to full-time employment. Per-diem paralegal work often commands varying rates, with seasoned contract paralegals billing anywhere from $25 to $50 per hour, depending on the nature of the work. E-discovery specialists, a niche area in demand, may earn $30 to $60 hourly, while freelance paralegals working with small businesses can negotiate fees as high as $75 per hour. Legal work environments in High Point, ranging from boutique law firms to corporate legal departments, can influence pay; law firms might provide competitive rates but often come with heavier workloads. Health insurance benefits may lead some to accept lower rates, emphasizing the importance of weighing monetary compensation against the overall benefits package. When negotiating pay, paralegals should clearly communicate their qualifications and consider factors like work pressure and job satisfaction in High Point's unique legal market.
More salary data for High Point, NC:
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 High Point. 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 High Point 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