Paralegal Hourly Pay in Scranton, PA: $28.66 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Scranton, PA runs $28.66 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Scranton's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,770 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Scranton, Pennsylvania, paralegal hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $28.66 in 2026, which is lower than the national median of $31.30. This rate can significantly impact part-time workers, such as those who might work three days a week, as well as those engaging in per-diem assignments. Many paralegals find employment in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices, where they often navigate diverse work environments, from bustling open offices to remote e-discovery reviews. The hourly rate for paralegals in Scranton varies widely, ranging from the entry-level P10 hourly rate of $20.87 to the P90 rate of $38.30 for more experienced professionals. This information, derived from the official BLS data, highlights the economic framework within which local paralegals operate.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.87 | $166.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.94 | $175.55 |
| Median (P50) | $28.66 | $229.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.20 | $265.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.30 | $306.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Scranton
Based on $28.66/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.66/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Scranton, PA can expect to earn approximately $59,617 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,394. With a cost-of-living index of 93.56 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Scranton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Scranton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,146.48 | $4,968 | $59,617 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $687.89 | $2,981 | $35,770 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $458.59 | $1,987 | $23,847 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Scranton) | $28.66 |
| 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 Scranton, PA earn a median of $59,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.41% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 1.70% below the Pennsylvania state average of $60,653.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.66/hr = $35,770/year (purchasing power: $38,234).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,617/year (purchasing power: $63,723).
CoL index: 93.556 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.66/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Scranton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.99/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.66/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.67/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Scranton grew 39.6% from $19.84/hr (2019) to $27.69/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.67/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 Scranton 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 Scranton
For paralegals who work part-time, particularly those clocking in around 24 hours a week, their annual take-home pay can reflect a substantial difference compared to full-time employment; their income will be reduced by approximately half due to fewer hours, impacting overall financial stability. Contract paralegal work in Scranton typically commands varying rates depending on the specific role and area of expertise. For example, per diem paralegal pay can range from $25 to $50 per hour, while e-discovery specialists, often proficient with tools like Relativity, can earn between $30 to $60 hourly. Freelance paralegals working with small businesses may see rates as high as $40 to $75 per hour, and during active litigation phases, trial prep paralegals can charge $50 to $90. Hourly earnings can further fluctuate depending on whether paralegals are employed by law firms, in-house corporate legal teams, or public sector organizations. While higher hourly wages are attractive, many paralegals may still prefer lower-paying jobs that offer comprehensive benefits. This multifactor approach provides insight into negotiation potentials for those seeking paralegal positions in Scranton, PA.
More salary data for Scranton, PA:
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 Scranton. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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