Paralegal Hourly Pay in Dallas, TX: $31.47 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Dallas, TX runs $31.47 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,439 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Dallas's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.1, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,271 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dallas, TX, paralegals earn a median hourly rate of $31.47, slightly above the national median of $31.30. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled paralegals in various legal settings, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government offices. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this rate can significantly impact their earnings, with the potential to take home a substantial income even without a full-time commitment. Entry-level paralegals can expect to start around $19.27 per hour, while experienced professionals may earn up to $50.22 per hour. This range indicates promising prospects for career advancement, making this field an attractive option for those considering a paralegal career in Dallas.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.27 | $154.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.26 | $194.10 |
| Median (P50) | $31.47 | $251.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.16 | $321.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.22 | $401.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dallas
Based on $31.47/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.47/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dallas, TX can expect to earn approximately $65,451 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,760. With a cost-of-living index of 103.09 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Dallas.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dallas
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.68 | $5,454 | $65,451 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $755.21 | $3,273 | $39,271 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.47 | $2,182 | $26,181 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Dallas) | $31.47 |
| 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 Dallas, TX earn a median of $65,439 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.53% higher than the national median of $65,097 and 15.90% above the Texas state average of $56,462.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.47/hr = $39,271/year (purchasing power: $38,094).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,451/year (purchasing power: $63,490).
CoL index: 103.09 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.40/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.47/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Dallas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.84/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.40/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.47/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.57/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Dallas grew 10.4% from $27.53/hr (2019) to $30.40/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.57/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 Dallas 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 Dallas
For those considering part-time work, a paralegal putting in 24 hours weekly could expect an annual take-home of around $39,233, compared to a full-time position earning significantly more. Contract roles in the Dallas area provide flexibility, allowing per-diem paralegals to charge rates from $25 to $50 per hour, with specialized e-discovery roles fetching $30 to $60 per hour. Freelance paralegals often see higher rates between $40 and $75 per hour, particularly in corporate settings, while trial prep roles can earn between $50 and $90 per hour during active litigation. Employers across different sectors offer varying hourly rates, with BigLaw firms generally providing higher pay but demanding longer hours. Those seeking better work-life balance might find corporate in-house positions appealing despite potentially lower pay. For hourly workers, negotiating benefits like health insurance versus higher hourly rates is crucial, as benefits can significantly enhance overall compensation. Understanding these dynamics is key for paralegals navigating their career paths in the vibrant legal market of Dallas.
More salary data for Dallas, TX:
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 Dallas. 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