Paralegal Hourly Pay in North Kingstown, RI: $30.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in North Kingstown, RI runs $30.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,747 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against North Kingstown's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.01 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,643 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In North Kingstown, RI, the paralegal hourly pay is projected to be $30.16 in 2026, which is slightly below the national hourly median of $31.30. This hourly rate makes it feasible for paralegals working part-time, such as those on a 3-day workweek, to earn a decent income. For instance, a paralegal working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $37,644 annually before taxes. The range of hourly rates in North Kingstown spans from $22.89 for entry-level positions to $46.76 for established professionals, reflecting the varied roles that paralegals fill. Whether working in bustling law firm cubicles, corporate legal departments, government offices, or remotely in e-discovery review processes, paralegals can find suitable positions that fit their lifestyle and earning needs.
About the North Kingstown 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) | $22.89 | $183.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.87 | $198.99 |
| Median (P50) | $30.16 | $241.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.06 | $304.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.76 | $374.04 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Kingstown
Based on $30.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.16/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Kingstown, RI can expect to earn approximately $62,739 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,195. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in North Kingstown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Kingstown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,206.51 | $5,228 | $62,739 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $723.91 | $3,137 | $37,643 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $482.61 | $2,091 | $25,095 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (North Kingstown) | $30.16 |
| 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 North Kingstown, RI earn a median of $62,747 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.61% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,429.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.16/hr = $37,643/year (purchasing power: $37,456).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,739/year (purchasing power: $62,427).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.97/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.14/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in North Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.97/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.14/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.22/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in North Kingstown grew 21.6% from $23.97/hr (2019) to $29.14/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.22/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 North Kingstown 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 North Kingstown
Part-time paralegals aiming to balance work and personal life in North Kingstown have unique financial dynamics to consider. Earning potential for a 3-day work schedule could mean significant annual take-home pay, yet it is crucial to understand the potential trade-offs. Freelance and per-diem paralegals in their fields typically bill hourly rates that can vary widely, notably from $25-$50 for contract work and as high as $75 for specialized corporate assignments. The type of employer significantly influences earnings; BigLaw firms may offer higher hourly pay but often with demanding hours compared to more balanced compensation structures in corporate legal settings. Paralegals must navigate benefits discussions wisely as well; accepting lower hourly compensation with full benefits might be more appealing than higher rates devoid of such protections. For those negotiating hourly rates, emphasizing relevant certification from recognized programs like NALA and NFPA can bolster one's standing and bargaining power.
More salary data for North Kingstown, 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 North Kingstown. 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 North Kingstown 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