Paralegal Hourly Pay in Woonsocket, RI: $30.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Woonsocket, RI runs $30.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,239 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Woonsocket's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.25 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,940 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Woonsocket, Rhode Island, paralegals can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $30.40, slightly below the national median of $31.30. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time professionals in various legal environments, including law firms and corporate legal departments. For part-time paralegals working about three days a week, this translates to a comfortable income while also allowing for personal time. The hourly pay varies significantly within the field, ranging from $23.50 for entry-level positions to $47.13 for top earners. The hourly figures are based on salary estimates derived from annual data, reflecting the financial landscape that paralegals navigate in 2026, including roles in diverse settings such as government offices and remote e-discovery tasks.
About the Woonsocket 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) | $23.50 | $187.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.36 | $202.88 |
| Median (P50) | $30.40 | $243.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.47 | $299.76 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.13 | $377.02 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Woonsocket
Based on $30.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.40/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Woonsocket, RI can expect to earn approximately $63,234 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,481. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Woonsocket.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Woonsocket
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,216.04 | $5,269 | $63,234 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $729.62 | $3,162 | $37,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $486.41 | $2,108 | $25,294 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Woonsocket) | $30.40 |
| 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 Woonsocket, RI earn a median of $63,239 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.85% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $65,398.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.40/hr = $37,940/year (purchasing power: $37,752).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,234/year (purchasing power: $62,919).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Woonsocket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Woonsocket grew 21.6% from $24.16/hr (2019) to $29.37/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Woonsocket 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 Woonsocket
When considering part-time schedules, a paralegal working 24 hours a week would gross approximately $37,894 annually, a notable alternative to full-time earnings. The world of contract and per diem work further diversifies earning opportunities; many freelance paralegals charge rates between $25 and $75 per hour depending on the complexity of the work, such as trial preparation or corporate compliance. Paralegals in Woonsocket may find that the type of employer influences their hourly wages significantly, with government positions typically offering stability and benefits, while private firms might offer higher pay alongside demanding workloads. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly wages and benefits is crucial, as some may prefer lower hourly rates in exchange for health coverage. Negotiating one's hourly rate effectively involves demonstrating expertise and understanding local standards, reflecting the unique economic factors that define paralegal hourly pay in Woonsocket, RI.
More salary data for Woonsocket, 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 Woonsocket. 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 Woonsocket 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