Paralegal Hourly Pay in Oregon City, OR: $28.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Oregon City, OR runs $28.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,644 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Oregon City's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,189 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Oregon City, the paralegal hourly pay stands at a median rate of $28.20, which is below the national hourly median of $31.30. This rate provides a practical framework for assessing earnings for various work schedules, including part-time arrangements commonly found in law firms and corporate legal departments. For those working three days a week, this can translate into a valuable income while allowing for flexibility often unavailable in full-time roles. The hourly earnings range from $20.59 for entry-level positions to $43.28 for top earners, offering a significant income potential for those experienced in niche specialties like e-discovery or corporate legal support. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the competitive landscape for paralegals in Oregon.
About the Oregon City 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) | $20.59 | $164.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.64 | $181.10 |
| Median (P50) | $28.20 | $225.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.96 | $279.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.28 | $346.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Oregon City
Based on $28.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.20/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Oregon City, OR can expect to earn approximately $58,648 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,835. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Oregon City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Oregon City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,127.84 | $4,887 | $58,648 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $676.71 | $2,932 | $35,189 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.14 | $1,955 | $23,459 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Oregon City) | $28.20 |
| 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 Oregon City, OR earn a median of $58,644 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.91% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.00% below the Oregon state average of $59,236.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.20/hr = $35,189/year (purchasing power: $34,297).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,648/year (purchasing power: $57,162).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.41/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Oregon City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.41/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.92/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.19/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Oregon City grew 21.6% from $22.41/hr (2019) to $27.24/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.19/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 Oregon City 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 Oregon City
Considering the financial implications of part-time work, a paralegal employed three days a week, clocking in 24 hours, would generate an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. In contrast, those pursuing per diem or contract work can find varied opportunities, with compensation rates typically ranging from $25 to $90 per hour, depending on the nature of the role. For example, e-discovery specialists may command $30 to $60 per hour, while trial prep paralegals can see rates soar to between $50 and $90 during active litigation. Here in Oregon City, different employer types influence paralegal hourly pay, with law firms and corporate legal departments often offering distinct pay scales and benefits. Some paralegals willingly accept lower pay in exchange for health insurance and stable hours, while others prioritize higher hourly wages available through temporary or contract positions. As negotiation occurs, it is advisable to research the typical rates for specific roles within Oregon City to maximize earning potential effectively.
More salary data for Oregon City, OR:
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 Oregon City. 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 Oregon City 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