Paralegal Hourly Pay in Providence, RI: $28.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Providence, RI runs $28.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,104 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.8, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,460 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Providence, Rhode Island, the paralegal hourly pay stands at a median of $28.41, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This rate illustrates a moderate earning potential for professionals in the city, especially for part-time workers typically engaged on a three-day weekly schedule or those seeking per-diem opportunities. The hourly pay range for paralegals in Providence varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $21.58, while top earners can reach upwards of $40.23. This disparity can influence job choice as paralegals navigate different workplace types, such as law firm environments, corporate legal departments, and government offices, which set the stage for varied financial outcomes based on the specific roles and responsibilities assigned.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.58 | $172.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.39 | $179.11 |
| Median (P50) | $28.41 | $227.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.91 | $287.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.23 | $321.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Providence
Based on $28.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.41/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $59,100 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,096. With a cost-of-living index of 101.77 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,136.54 | $4,925 | $59,100 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $681.92 | $2,955 | $35,460 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $454.62 | $1,970 | $23,640 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Providence) | $28.41 |
| 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 Providence, RI earn a median of $59,104 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.21% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 9.70% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,453.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.41/hr = $35,460/year (purchasing power: $34,842).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,100/year (purchasing power: $58,070).
CoL index: 101.773 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.41/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Providence grew 20.8% from $22.72/hr (2019) to $27.45/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.41/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 Providence 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 Providence
For those considering a part-time position, a paralegal working 24 hours per week would bring home a different annual income compared to full-time colleagues. Typically, contract paralegal positions, including per-diem and freelance roles, often command billing rates that range from $25 to $90 per hour based on expertise and niche specialization, such as e-discovery review or trial preparation. In Providence, hourly rates can fluctuate based on the employer type; BigLaw firms may offer higher compensation but often demand longer hours, while in-house roles provide steadier hours and benefits that some may find appealing despite a slightly lower hourly wage. When negotiating pay, paralegals should consider their value propositions, including training from NALA or NFPA-approved programs, which can substantially influence their marketability and fee structure in a competitive field.
More salary data for Providence, 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 Providence. 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, 6-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