Paralegal Hourly Pay in Knoxville, TN: $24.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Knoxville, TN runs $24.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,527 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Knoxville's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.6, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,926 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Knoxville, Tennessee, the paralegal hourly rate stands at $24.78, reflecting a noticeable gap compared to the national median of $31.30. This rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time paralegals, particularly those working within law firms, corporate legal departments, or government offices. For individuals seeking part-time positions, such as those working three days a week, this translates to approximately $1,186 per week before taxes, a viable earning potential. Additionally, the hourly pay range varies significantly, with entry-level positions beginning around $19.40 and experienced paralegals earning upwards of $37.66. This data, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, reflects the realities of working environments, from open office spaces in law firms to remote e-discovery review settings commonly found in today’s legal landscape.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.40 | $155.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.48 | $187.81 |
| Median (P50) | $24.78 | $198.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.11 | $240.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.66 | $301.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Knoxville
Based on $24.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.78/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Knoxville, TN can expect to earn approximately $51,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,736. With a cost-of-living index of 92.57 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Knoxville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Knoxville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $991.21 | $4,295 | $51,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $594.73 | $2,577 | $30,926 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $396.48 | $1,718 | $20,617 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Knoxville) | $24.78 |
| 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 Knoxville, TN earn a median of $51,527 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.85% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 4.90% below the Tennessee state average of $54,182.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.78/hr = $30,926/year (purchasing power: $33,408).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,543/year (purchasing power: $55,681).
CoL index: 92.569 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Knoxville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.65/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Knoxville grew 5.6% from $22.67/hr (2019) to $23.94/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.65/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 Knoxville 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 Knoxville
Part-time paralegals in Knoxville have the potential to take home a significant income, especially if they work approximately 24 hours per week. For those engaging in contract or per-diem roles, the pay can vary widely. Many per diem paralegals in Knoxville command rates between $25 and $50 per hour, while specialists in e-discovery might earn as much as $60 per hour. Freelance corporate paralegals can charge anywhere from $40 to $75 per hour. Employers in Knoxville, including federal and state legal offices, private law firms, and real estate title companies, influence compensation levels. While some paralegals might opt for positions offering slightly lower hourly wages in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, others pursue higher-paying, contract-based roles without benefits. Negotiation plays a crucial role in crafting an appealing compensation package, particularly for those in contract work, where showcasing specialized skills—especially in e-discovery—can lead to greater earning potential.
More salary data for Knoxville, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for paralegals in Knoxville in 2026?
How much do part-time paralegals make in Knoxville?
Are paralegals in Knoxville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time paralegal make per year in Knoxville?
Do paralegals earn more per hour working part-time in Knoxville?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Tennessee
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 Knoxville. 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