Paralegal Hourly Pay in Wilson, NC: $24.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Wilson, NC runs $24.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,231 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Wilson's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,745 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Wilson, North Carolina, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to reach $24.64 in 2026, quite a difference from the national median of $31.30. For paralegals working part-time, such as those committing to a three-day workweek, the income becomes more predictable, translating to roughly $31,000 annually based on typical hourly commitments. This hourly wage resonates differently across various workplace environments, from law firms to corporate legal departments and government offices, reflecting differing job demands. Entry-level positions may start around $18.69 per hour, while seasoned professionals could command up to $38.17 per hour. These estimates, derived from annual salary data, indicate that paralegals in Wilson can settle into satisfying roles while navigating a range of tasks from court filings to e-discovery reviews.
About the Wilson 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) | $18.69 | $149.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.30 | $162.39 |
| Median (P50) | $24.64 | $197.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.53 | $252.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.17 | $305.40 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wilson
Based on $24.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.64/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wilson, NC can expect to earn approximately $51,242 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,562. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wilson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wilson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $985.42 | $4,270 | $51,242 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.25 | $2,562 | $30,745 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.17 | $1,708 | $20,497 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Wilson) | $24.64 |
| 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 Wilson, NC earn a median of $51,231 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.30% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $53,422.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.64/hr = $30,745/year (purchasing power: $32,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,242/year (purchasing power: $54,745).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.58/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Wilson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.58/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.03/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.28/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.50/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Wilson grew 21.6% from $19.58/hr (2019) to $23.80/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.50/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 Wilson 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 Wilson
The financial outlook for paralegals in Wilson also showcases a variety of earning potentials for part-time and per-diem workers. A paralegal working 24 hours per week could take home about $31,000 annually, offering flexibility while still covering essential expenses. In contrast, those engaged in per diem roles or contract positions could see significantly higher billing rates, commonly between $25-$60 per hour depending on specialization—e-discovery specialists often hit the upper end of that range. As work settings vary, so too do the pay structures: positions in BigLaw typically offer higher rates but come with demanding hours, while corporate legal departments may provide steadier pay with improved work-life balance. Negotiation strategies can be crucial; emphasizing specialized skills or certifications, such as those recognized by NALA or NFPA, can help secure better terms, particularly for those considering roles in bustling legal services within Wilson.
More salary data for Wilson, 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 Wilson. 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 Wilson 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