Paralegal Hourly Pay in Bristol, RI: $29.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Bristol, RI runs $29.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,932 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Bristol's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,165 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bristol, Rhode Island, the projected median hourly pay for paralegals in 2026 is $29.78, which is slightly below the national median of $31.30. This rate provides a solid foundation for part-time workers, particularly those who might choose to work three days a week, as they can expect to earn around $22,000 annually if they complete approximately 24 hours per week. Paralegals in varied settings – ranging from law firms and corporate legal departments to government offices – may find themselves in cubicles or open offices, engaging in essential roles that cater to diverse legal needs. The hourly range extends from $21.74 at the entry level to $46.16 for seasoned professionals, making this field an attractive prospect for those pursuing per diem paralegal pay in Bristol, where the estimated costs of living slightly exceed the national average.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.74 | $173.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.78 | $190.21 |
| Median (P50) | $29.78 | $238.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.91 | $287.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.16 | $369.24 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bristol
Based on $29.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.78/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bristol, RI can expect to earn approximately $61,942 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,736. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bristol.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bristol
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,191.19 | $5,162 | $61,942 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $714.72 | $3,097 | $37,165 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $476.48 | $2,065 | $24,777 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Bristol) | $29.78 |
| 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 Bristol, RI earn a median of $61,932 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.86% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 5.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,398.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.78/hr = $37,165/year (purchasing power: $36,980).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,942/year (purchasing power: $61,634).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.83/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Bristol grew 21.6% from $23.67/hr (2019) to $28.77/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.83/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 Bristol 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 Bristol
Considering part-time positions, a paralegal working 24 hours each week would take home about $22,000 per year, which can be significantly lower than full-time salaries. The demand for contract paralegals is notable, as their pay can vary widely based on specific tasks and client needs, with rates for freelance or per diem roles often billing between $25 and $75 per hour. Depending on their workplace, paralegals can experience differing hourly rates: corporate legal departments typically offer steady hours and salaries, while larger law firms may pay a premium for demanding schedules. However, many paralegals may trade off higher hourly rates for benefits such as health insurance, leading to economic choices that vary based on individual circumstances. For those navigating salary discussions, knowing the local industry's trends and the going rates for various employer types in Bristol can be invaluable for negotiations.
More salary data for Bristol, RI:
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 Bristol. 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 Bristol 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