Paralegal Hourly Pay in Keizer, OR: $26.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Keizer, OR runs $26.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,121 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Keizer's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,677 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Keizer, Oregon, paralegals can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $26.99, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This wage reflects the local job market conditions, where positions often span law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. For part-time workers, such as those employed three days per week, the hourly pay translates into a viable option for those seeking flexibility, while per-diem paralegals working in various legal settings, ranging from e-discovery reviews to real estate title closings, can find opportunities that align with their schedules and financial goals. Hourly rates for entry-level paralegals start around $19.98, while more seasoned professionals can earn upwards of $41.74 per hour, indicating a robust structure for growth within this profession in Keizer.
About the Keizer Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.98 | $159.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.26 | $170.09 |
| Median (P50) | $26.99 | $215.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.64 | $269.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.74 | $333.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Keizer
Based on $26.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.99/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Keizer, OR can expect to earn approximately $56,129 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,382. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Keizer.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Keizer
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,079.40 | $4,677 | $56,129 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $647.64 | $2,806 | $33,677 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.76 | $1,871 | $22,452 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Keizer) | $26.99 |
| 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 Keizer, OR earn a median of $56,121 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.79% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $59,199.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.99/hr = $33,677/year (purchasing power: $32,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,129/year (purchasing power: $54,707).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Keizer (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.93/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Keizer grew 21.6% from $21.45/hr (2019) to $26.07/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.93/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 Keizer 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 Keizer
Looking deeper into the earning potential, a paralegal working part-time at 24 hours per week in Keizer could anticipate a considerably lower annual income compared to a full-time role, underscoring the trade-offs in hours and benefits. Per diem and contract paralegals often experience more variability in pay, with rates ranging from $25 to $90 per hour depending on specialization and the nature of the work—e-discovery specialists command higher fees, reflecting their expertise in using platforms like Relativity. Employers in Keizer vary widely, from small law firms to larger corporate offices and public sector roles, presenting different hourly rates and benefits. While some paralegals may opt for lower wages in exchange for job security and health insurance, others may prefer the higher pay available in freelance or contract positions, despite the lack of benefits. For those negotiating hourly pay, being informed about market standards and employer expectations can be advantageous in securing a satisfactory agreement.
More salary data for Keizer, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Keizer in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Keizer?
Are paralegals in Keizer paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Keizer?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Keizer?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Keizer. 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 Keizer 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