Paralegal Hourly Pay in Sherwood, OR: $26.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Sherwood, OR runs $26.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,118 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Sherwood's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.29 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,664 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Sherwood, Oregon, the paralegal hourly pay stands at approximately $26.97, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate can significantly impact part-time workers, such as those who might take on roles three days a week, making their earnings dependent on how many billable hours they accrue during that time. For part-time paralegals working in environments like law firm cubicles, corporate legal departments, or government offices, the potential for earning varies as they navigate through a wide hourly range that spans from $19.75 at the entry-level to as high as $41.82 for more experienced professionals. Understanding this context is essential, as paralegals in different sectors and roles, including remote e-discovery projects, can experience varying work conditions and pay structures, all estimated from annual salary data.
About the Sherwood 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) | $19.75 | $158.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.57 | $172.57 |
| Median (P50) | $26.97 | $215.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.10 | $264.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.82 | $334.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sherwood
Based on $26.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.97/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sherwood, OR can expect to earn approximately $56,107 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,370. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Sherwood.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sherwood
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,078.99 | $4,676 | $56,107 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $647.39 | $2,805 | $33,664 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $431.60 | $1,870 | $22,443 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Sherwood) | $26.97 |
| 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 Sherwood, OR earn a median of $56,118 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 $59,196.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.97/hr = $33,664/year (purchasing power: $32,811).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,107/year (purchasing power: $54,686).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Sherwood (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.92/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Sherwood grew 21.6% from $21.44/hr (2019) to $26.06/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.92/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 Sherwood 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 Sherwood
For those considering part-time opportunities, a paralegal working 24 hours a week may expect to bring home around $33,192 annually, which contrasts with full-time wages. The landscape for per diem paralegal pay in Sherwood can vary considerably, with contract paralegal workers typically billing between $25 and $50 per hour, and those specializing in areas like e-discovery commanding rates between $30 and $60 per hour. Additionally, freelance corporate paralegals can earn between $40 and $75 hourly, while those active in trial preparation might see pay rates ranging from $50 to $90 during litigation. Employment type impacts earnings, as paralegals in larger firms or specialized roles might secure better compensation compared to government or public defender offices. When negotiating, it's wise for paralegals to weigh the benefits of health insurance and paid time off against higher hourly rates that come without benefits, which is often a consideration in the Sherwood job market.
More salary data for Sherwood, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much do part-time paralegals make in Sherwood?
Are paralegals in Sherwood paid hourly or salary?
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Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Sherwood?
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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 Sherwood. 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 Sherwood 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