Paralegal Hourly Pay in Brookings, SD: $26.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Brookings, SD runs $26.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,812 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Brookings's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,484 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Brookings, South Dakota, the projected paralegal hourly pay for 2026 stands at $26.83, which is notably lower than the national median of $31.30. This disparity can impact part-time and per-diem workers in the profession, particularly those who may work three days a week in varied settings such as law firms, corporate legal departments, or governmental offices. For instance, at this hourly rate, part-time paralegals earning $26.83 could see their monthly income fluctuate significantly, while entry-level positions start around $20.76, allowing ample room for growth up to $40.51 per hour for experienced professionals. This broad hourly range reflects the diverse roles available within the paralegal field, whether in traditional office environments, remote e-discovery setups, or the fast-paced world of trial preparation.
About the Brookings Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.76 | $166.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.29 | $178.29 |
| Median (P50) | $26.83 | $214.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.12 | $264.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.51 | $324.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Brookings
Based on $26.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.83/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Brookings, SD can expect to earn approximately $55,806 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,196. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Brookings.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Brookings
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,073.19 | $4,650 | $55,806 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $643.92 | $2,790 | $33,484 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $429.28 | $1,860 | $22,322 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Brookings) | $26.83 |
| 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 Brookings, SD earn a median of $55,812 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.26% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 7.60% below the South Dakota state average of $60,402.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.83/hr = $33,484/year (purchasing power: $36,081).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,806/year (purchasing power: $60,136).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Brookings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $19.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.77/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Brookings grew 21.6% from $21.32/hr (2019) to $25.92/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.77/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 Brookings 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 Brookings
For those considering a part-time paralegal position in Brookings, the financial landscape is both challenging and rewarding. With a typical schedule of 24 hours a week, a paralegal could expect to earn approximately $33,483 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. Many may choose per-diem or agency roles, where hourly pay varies widely — generally, they might earn between $25-$50 per hour for regular tasks, while specialized skills in e-discovery could command rates of $30-$60. Freelance paralegals often carve out niches, receiving $40-$75 per hour, especially during active litigation phases. However, this variability in pay often necessitates a trade-off between hourly wages and benefits, as paralegals might opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and job stability. Negotiating effectively can enhance income potential, especially in the competitive Brookings market, where one must consider the employer type — from law firms and corporate offices to government roles — which can greatly affect wages.
More salary data for Brookings, SD:
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 Brookings. 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 Brookings 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