Paralegal Salary

Paralegal Hourly Pay in Rock Hill, SC: $27.00 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Rock Hill, SC runs $27.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,150 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Rock Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,690 per year.

$56,150
Median Annual Salary
$27.00/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,217
Entry Level (P10)
$87,032
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Paralegal Hourly Rate in Rock Hill, SC — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Rock Hill, SC paralegal hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Rock Hill, South Carolina, paralegals earn a median hourly rate of $27.00, which falls below the national median of $31.30. This rate reflects the financial landscape for part-time and per-diem employees in various legal environments, including law firm paralegal cubicles, corporate legal department offices, and government support areas. For part-time paralegals working three days a week, this could translate to earning approximately $1,296 weekly based on 24 hours of work, making it a practical option for those balancing other commitments. Depending on experience and expertise, hourly rates can range from $18.37 for entry-level positions to $41.84 for seasoned professionals in specialized roles. These figures provide key insights for individuals exploring the paralegal hourly pay in Rock Hill, as they illustrate the competitive yet accessible nature of the workforce within the legal sector.

About the Rock Hill Market

Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.37$146.98
Lower Range (P25)$21.89$175.14
Median (P50)$27.00$215.96
Upper Range (P75)$34.55$276.41
Top Earners (P90)$41.84$334.71

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rock Hill

Based on $27.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a paralegal in Rock Hill earning $27.00/hr would make approximately $32,394 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $56,150 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$32,394Reduced (32 hr/wk)$43,193Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$56,150

At $27.00/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rock Hill, SC can expect to earn approximately $56,150 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,394. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Rock Hill.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$215.96
per 8hr shift
$1,079.82
per week
$4,679
per month
$56,150
per year

Schedule Comparison in Rock Hill

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,079.82$4,679$56,150
Part-Time (24 hrs)$647.89$2,808$33,690
Per Diem (16 hrs)$431.93$1,872$22,460

Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Paralegal (Rock Hill)$27.00
Lawyer (National Avg)$81.25
Legal Secretary (National Avg)$26.86
Court Reporter (National Avg)$30.10
Title Examiner / Abstractor (National Avg)$29.85
Horizontal bar chart comparing paralegal median salary in Rock Hill ($56,150) with South Carolina average ($56,376) and the US national median ($65,097).Rock Hill$56,150South Carolina Avg$56,376-0.40%US National$65,097-13.74%

Paralegals in Rock Hill, SC earn a median of $56,150 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.74% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 0.40% below the South Carolina state average of $56,376.

Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $27.00/hr = $33,690/year (purchasing power: $36,820).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,150/year (purchasing power: $61,367).

CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$21.46/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$26.08/hr

2026 Current Est.

$27.00/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+30.2%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Rock Hill (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for paralegals in Rock Hill. Baseline $21.46/hr in 2025, projected to $27.94/hr by 2027.$20$22$25$27$292019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.46$21.95$23.32$24.55$25.28$22.78$26.08$27.00$27.94
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$21.46/hrActual
2020$21.95/hrActual
2021$23.32/hrActual
2022$24.55/hrActual
2023$25.28/hrActual
2024$22.78/hrActual
2025$26.08/hrActual
2026(current)$27.00/hrEstimated
2027$27.94/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Rock Hill grew 21.6% from $21.46/hr (2019) to $26.08/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.94/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem paralegals can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rock Hill metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Rock Hill

Assessing the earning potential for part-time paralegals in Rock Hill, those working three days a week could see an annual income of around $33,792, which offers a solid earnings structure compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem paralegal pay in Rock Hill can vary significantly based on contract work, often ranging from $25 to $50 per hour, while specialized roles like e-discovery review may command between $30 and $60 per hour. Freelance paralegals who assist small businesses often earn between $40 and $75 per hour, especially during peak litigation periods where trial preparation tasks are involved, sometimes yielding hourly rates from $50 to $90. The type of employer significantly impacts these rates; while BigLaw firms typically offer higher compensation, they may demand intense hours, whereas corporate in-house positions tend to provide a better work-life balance. Paralegals considering their options should weigh the trade-offs between salary and benefits, as some may prefer higher hourly wages without benefits over steady income with health coverage. Negotiating hourly rates effectively requires understanding the local market dynamics and the specific value one can bring to the employer, which is crucial for advancing in this profession.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Rock Hill in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for paralegals in Rock Hill is $27.00/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.51% annual growth). Rates range from $18.37 at entry level (10th percentile) to $41.84 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 13.7% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time paralegals make in Rock Hill?

A part-time paralegal working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Rock Hill earns approximately $2,808/month, or $33,690/year at the median hourly rate of $27.00. Many paralegals prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are paralegals in Rock Hill paid hourly or salary?

The majority of paralegals in Rock Hill are paid hourly at a median rate of $27.00/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $56,150/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Rock Hill?

A full-time paralegal working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Rock Hill earns approximately $56,150/year at the median hourly rate of $27.00. This is 13.7% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $87,025/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Rock Hill?

Part-time and per diem paralegals in Rock Hill sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $41.84/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in South Carolina

JT

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.

Clinically reviewed by Michael Garcia, CLAData verified by Ayesha Khan, CP

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 Rock Hill. 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 Rock Hill is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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