Paralegal Hourly Pay in Akron, OH: $30.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Akron, OH runs $30.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Akron's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.4, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,449 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Akron, Ohio, the paralegal hourly pay stands at a median of $30.01, slightly below the national median of $31.30. This rate is significant for part-time workers who may choose to operate within a flexible schedule, such as working three days a week. For those in traditional law firm cubicles or corporate legal departments, and even those engaged in remote e-discovery reviews, this hourly rate can directly reflect their income potential, particularly among per diem roles, which typically pay between $21.40 and $43.01 per hour. Entry-level paralegals earning closer to the 10th percentile may start at around $21.40 per hour, while top earners can reach $43.01 as they gain experience and specialization in areas like e-discovery or litigation support. These figures are based on projections from 2025 BLS OEWS data, indicating the expected pay landscape for 2026.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.40 | $171.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.46 | $195.68 |
| Median (P50) | $30.01 | $240.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.63 | $301.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.01 | $344.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Akron
Based on $30.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.01/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Akron, OH can expect to earn approximately $62,416 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,009. With a cost-of-living index of 93.37 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Akron.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Akron
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,200.30 | $5,201 | $62,416 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $720.18 | $3,121 | $37,449 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $480.12 | $2,081 | $24,966 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Akron) | $30.01 |
| 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 Akron, OH earn a median of $62,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.13% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.60% above the Ohio state average of $60,238.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.01/hr = $37,449/year (purchasing power: $40,109).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,416/year (purchasing power: $66,848).
CoL index: 93.37 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.07/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.99/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Akron (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.07/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.99/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.06/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Akron grew 20.4% from $24.07/hr (2019) to $28.99/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.06/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 Akron 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 Akron
For paralegals considering part-time work in Akron, earning potential can be substantial even without a full-time commitment. A paralegal working 24 hours a week would take home approximately $37,281 annually, a significantly different picture than a full-time paralegal's income. In contrast, those engaged in per diem or contract work can see their rates vary widely based on employer type; for instance, agency work may range from $25 to $50 per hour, while freelance roles can command upwards of $75 depending on the complexity of the tasks. Hourly rates can fluctuate not just based on experience but also across different legal sectors, with BigLaw firms typically offering higher pay alongside lengthier hours compared to in-house corporate positions that provide better work-life balance. Moreover, many paralegals weigh the benefits of consistent employment with health insurance against the potentially higher hourly rates found in freelance or contract work without benefits. Understanding local market dynamics and being proactive in negotiations can empower paralegals to secure competitive hourly pay in the Akron area.
More salary data for Akron, OH:
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 Akron. 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