Paralegal Hourly Pay in Memphis, TN: $28.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Memphis, TN runs $28.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,845 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Memphis's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.2, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,305 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Memphis, Tennessee, the paralegal hourly rate stands at $28.29, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $31.30. This discrepancy can impact both full-time and part-time paralegals, especially those working in law firms, corporate legal departments, or governmental offices. For individuals opting for part-time positions, such as working three days a week, this hourly rate translates into a moderate income while allowing flexibility in work-life balance. Entry-level paralegals can anticipate starting hourly rates around $21.37, while the top earners in the field can make up to $42.05. Given these figures from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics, it's clear that hourly earnings in Memphis reflect a diverse range of compensation depending on experience and employer type.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.37 | $171.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.77 | $190.13 |
| Median (P50) | $28.29 | $226.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.12 | $280.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.05 | $336.37 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Memphis
Based on $28.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.29/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Memphis, TN can expect to earn approximately $58,842 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,947. With a cost-of-living index of 92.18 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Memphis.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Memphis
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,131.57 | $4,903 | $58,842 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.94 | $2,942 | $35,305 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.63 | $1,961 | $23,537 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Memphis) | $28.29 |
| 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 Memphis, TN earn a median of $58,845 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.60% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 8.60% above the Tennessee state average of $54,185.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.29/hr = $35,305/year (purchasing power: $38,301).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,842/year (purchasing power: $63,834).
CoL index: 92.179 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.33/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+53.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Memphis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.55/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.35/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.46/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.28/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Memphis grew 42.8% from $19.14/hr (2019) to $27.33/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.28/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 Memphis 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 Memphis
For those considering part-time work in the paralegal field, the financial implications reveal significant differences in annual earnings. A paralegal working 24 hours a week can expect to take home roughly $35,000 annually, juxtaposed with the full-time potential of approximately $58,845. Furthermore, the world of per-diem, contract, or freelance paralegal roles offers varied pay structures. Many contract paralegals bill between $25 and $50 per hour, while specialized e-discovery professionals can garner rates between $30 and $60 an hour. Employers such as law firms and corporate in-house departments typically provide steadier compensation compared to freelance positions, which can offer higher pay without benefits. Paralegals should weigh their options carefully, as accepting lower hourly wages for a full-time position may come with health insurance and other perks, while going for higher pay may yield less job security. Negotiation strategies should focus on demonstrating specialized skills, such as proficiency in e-discovery software, to secure optimal rates.
More salary data for Memphis, TN:
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 Memphis. 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