Paralegal Hourly Pay in Newport, RI: $30.24 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Newport, RI runs $30.24 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Newport's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,734 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport, Rhode Island, paralegals earn a median hourly rate of $30.24, which is slightly below the national median of $31.30. For paralegals working part-time, typically three days a week, this hourly figure translates into approximately $726 per week before taxes, making it a viable option for those balancing other commitments. For those in per diem roles, working on contract, or engaging in e-discovery, this environment presents varying levels of hourly pay. Entry-level paralegals can expect to earn around $22.18, while experienced professionals in specialized areas may command up to $46.87 per hour, reflecting a significant disparity based on experience and the specific legal setting. Such rates indicate the robust yet competitive nature of paralegal roles in Newport, with opportunities spanning law firms, corporate legal departments, and government entities.
About the Newport 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) | $22.18 | $177.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.35 | $194.76 |
| Median (P50) | $30.24 | $241.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.21 | $305.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.87 | $374.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport
Based on $30.24/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.24/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport, RI can expect to earn approximately $62,889 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,282. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,209.41 | $5,241 | $62,889 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $725.65 | $3,144 | $37,734 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $483.76 | $2,096 | $25,156 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Newport) | $30.24 |
| 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 Newport, RI earn a median of $62,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.38% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,446.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.24/hr = $37,734/year (purchasing power: $37,546).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,889/year (purchasing power: $62,576).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.21/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.24/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Newport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.58/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.12/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.32/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.87/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.21/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.24/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.30/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Newport grew 21.6% from $24.03/hr (2019) to $29.21/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.30/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 Newport 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 Newport
An analysis of part-time paralegal roles shows that a paralegal working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income of roughly $37,976, which positions them below full-time counterparts but still offers a balance between income and personal time. The per diem or freelance sector offers unique payment structures, with contract paralegals often billing between $25 and $90 per hour depending on their specialization and engagement level. In Newport, law firms, in-house corporate legal departments, and public agencies tend to reflect varied hourly rates influenced by the demand for legal services and the complexity of tasks required. While some paralegals may opt for higher hourly wages at the expense of benefits, such as health insurance, those in stable employment might choose lower hourly pay for enhanced job security and benefits. To maximize earning potential, Newport paralegals should focus on niche skills, such as e-discovery expertise, along with negotiating compensation packages tailored to their work situations, whether in a contract capacity or traditional employment.
More salary data for Newport, 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 Newport. 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 Newport 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