Paralegal Hourly Pay in Delaware, OH: $28.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Delaware, OH runs $28.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,494 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Delaware's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,693 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Delaware, OH, the paralegal hourly pay stands at $28.60, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $31.30. This discrepancy could influence aspiring paralegals seeking part-time roles or per diem work, as positions may be available in law firm cubicles, corporate legal departments, and even remote e-discovery review setups. For part-time work, such as a three-day work week, individuals would have to consider flexibility and job availability, as entry-level pay starts at around $20.75 and can surge up to $43.67 for top earners in the area. With a salary range spanning from $20.75 to $43.67 an hour in 2026, the opportunities available suggest a variety of work environments, albeit with a competitive edge in roles demanding specialized skills like e-discovery.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.75 | $166.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.97 | $191.78 |
| Median (P50) | $28.60 | $228.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.41 | $283.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.67 | $349.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Delaware
Based on $28.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.60/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Delaware, OH can expect to earn approximately $59,488 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,320. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Delaware.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Delaware
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,143.99 | $4,957 | $59,488 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $686.40 | $2,974 | $35,693 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.60 | $1,983 | $23,795 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Delaware) | $28.60 |
| 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 Delaware, OH earn a median of $59,494 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.61% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $60,278.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.60/hr = $35,693/year (purchasing power: $39,352).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,488/year (purchasing power: $65,587).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.63/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.63/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.60/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Delaware grew 21.6% from $22.73/hr (2019) to $27.63/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.60/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 Delaware 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 Delaware
Exploring part-time paralegal prospects, a worker in Delaware balancing a 24-hour work week can expect to take home a fairly decent salary annually, although it will be significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues. Many seasoned paralegals engage in per diem or contract work, which typically attracts a range of hourly billing rates; for example, e-discovery specialists may charge between $30 and $60 while trial prep contractors could earn between $50 and $90 per hour. Different employer types in Delaware further impact hourly wages, with larger law firms or federal offices generally providing better compensation than small boutiques or government positions. While full-time paralegals in Ohio may opt for higher hourly rates without benefits, many choose steadier employment that offers health insurance, creating a trade-off between pay and job security. Negotiating effectively, especially for hourly roles, suggests understanding local market rates, showcasing relevant experience, and emphasizing expertise related to specific legal functions or software, which can provide leverage in discussions with potential employers.
More salary data for Delaware, 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 Delaware. 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 Delaware 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