Paralegal Hourly Pay in Sumter, SC: $23.27 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Sumter, SC runs $23.27 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,391 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Sumter's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.0, 12% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,040 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Sumter, South Carolina, the projected median hourly pay for paralegals in 2026 is $23.27, significantly lower than the national median of $31.30. This hourly wage reflects the economic conditions in the region and the demand for paralegal services, which can vary widely based on the setting. For part-time paralegals working three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,115.68 biweekly before taxes—allowing flexibility for other life pursuits. Typically, paralegals in Sumter will find themselves within an hourly range of $18.68 to $33.44, depending on experience and specialization. The work environment can include everything from law firm offices and corporate legal departments to government support areas and remote e-discovery review settings, allowing for variety and adaptability in how paralegals choose to work.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.68 | $149.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.21 | $169.67 |
| Median (P50) | $23.27 | $186.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.10 | $232.77 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.44 | $267.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sumter
Based on $23.27/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.27/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sumter, SC can expect to earn approximately $48,400 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,923. With a cost-of-living index of 88.02 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sumter.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sumter
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $930.76 | $4,033 | $48,400 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $558.46 | $2,420 | $29,040 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $372.30 | $1,613 | $19,360 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Sumter) | $23.27 |
| 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 Sumter, SC earn a median of $48,391 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.66% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 14.20% below the South Carolina state average of $56,400.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.27/hr = $29,040/year (purchasing power: $32,992).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,400/year (purchasing power: $54,987).
CoL index: 88.02 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$14.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.27/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+67.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Sumter (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $14.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.96/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.27/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.09/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Sumter grew 56.2% from $14.39/hr (2019) to $22.48/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.09/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 Sumter 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 Sumter
Exploring part-time earning potential reveals that a paralegal working 24 hours a week could net around $27,412 annually, which may not be enough for many to rely upon as their sole income source. Freelance and per-diem paralegals can earn considerably more, with typical rates ranging from $25 to $50 an hour for contract work, especially during active litigation phases where trial prep paralegals can see rates climb to $50-$90 per hour. The hourly rates also fluctuate based on the type of employer—paralegals at larger law firms or government offices may enjoy better stability but may earn less than those in freelance or contract positions. Some professionals may opt for the security of employee benefits, accepting lower hourly rates in exchange, while others prioritize higher pay and flexible work arrangements. For those negotiating their hourly pay in Sumter, understanding the market trends and demonstrating specialized skills, particularly in e-discovery, will be key strategies in securing optimal compensation.
More salary data for Sumter, SC:
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 Sumter. 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, 7-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