Paralegal Hourly Pay in Milwaukie, OR: $26.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Milwaukie, OR runs $26.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,430 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Milwaukie's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,657 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Milwaukie, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay for paralegals is set at $26.17, which falls notably below the national median of $31.30. This discrepancy highlights the economic dynamics of the region, where part-time paralegals working three days a week could expect to earn approximately $31,000 annually if they maintain a 24-hour work schedule. The hourly pay ranges considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $20.00 and more experienced paralegals or those in specialized roles earning up to $40.08. Many paralegals find themselves interpreting this pay structure within the context of their work environments, whether that's in law firms, corporate offices, government legal departments, or even remote e-discovery roles that are becoming increasingly popular. These settings can influence not only hourly compensation but also job satisfaction and work-life balance.
About the Milwaukie 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) | $20.00 | $159.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.56 | $172.49 |
| Median (P50) | $26.17 | $209.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.71 | $261.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.08 | $320.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Milwaukie
Based on $26.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.17/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Milwaukie, OR can expect to earn approximately $54,428 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,401. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Milwaukie.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Milwaukie
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,046.69 | $4,536 | $54,428 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $628.02 | $2,721 | $32,657 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $418.68 | $1,814 | $21,771 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Milwaukie) | $26.17 |
| 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 Milwaukie, OR earn a median of $54,430 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.39% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 8.10% below the Oregon state average of $59,227.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.17/hr = $32,657/year (purchasing power: $31,829).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,428/year (purchasing power: $53,049).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Milwaukie (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Milwaukie grew 21.6% from $20.80/hr (2019) to $25.28/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.09/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 Milwaukie 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 Milwaukie
Evaluating part-time and per-diem opportunities reveals significant earning potential for those in the paralegal field within Milwaukie. For instance, a paralegal working part-time at 24 hours each week may earn around $31,000 annually compared to full-time counterparts. Per-diem paralegal pay in Milwaukie can vary, with contract paralegals typically billing between $25 and $50 per hour. Those specializing in e-discovery might command rates ranging from $30 to $60 per hour, while freelancers assisting small businesses can earn between $40 and $75. Rates can shift dramatically depending on the type of employer, with government roles potentially offering stability but lower hourly pay compared to the dynamic landscape of private law firms, which can pay higher rates, especially in BigLaw environments. However, paralegals must consider the trade-off between higher pay and benefits such as health insurance, which often encourages them to select employment options that balance both. Negotiation strategies may include highlighting specialization, such as e-discovery expertise, or leveraging experience in various legal environments to bolster one's case for competitive hourly pay in this local job market.
More salary data for Milwaukie, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Milwaukie in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Milwaukie?
Are paralegals in Milwaukie paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Milwaukie?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Milwaukie?
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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 Milwaukie. 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 Milwaukie 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