Paralegal Hourly Pay in Denton, TX: $27.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Denton, TX runs $27.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Denton's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.13 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,703 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For 2026, the paralegal hourly pay in Denton, TX, is projected to be $27.01, which is noticeably lower than the national hourly median of $31.30. This lower rate reflects the local cost of living, which is also below the national average. For part-time paralegals working three days a week, this translates to about $865.44 per week before taxes, making it a suitable option for those seeking a flexible schedule in environments such as law firm cubicles, corporate legal departments, or e-discovery settings. The hourly rate also ranges from $19.34 at the entry level to $41.85 for top earners, suggesting that there is potential for growth as experience increases. Many professionals in varying sectors, including real estate and governmental legal support, may find opportunities that fit within this hourly framework.
About the Denton Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.34 | $154.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.58 | $172.65 |
| Median (P50) | $27.01 | $216.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.56 | $276.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.85 | $334.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denton
Based on $27.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.01/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denton, TX can expect to earn approximately $56,172 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,407. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Denton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,080.23 | $4,681 | $56,172 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $648.14 | $2,809 | $33,703 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $432.09 | $1,872 | $22,469 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Denton) | $27.01 |
| 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 Denton, TX earn a median of $56,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.73% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 0.60% below the Texas state average of $56,501.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.01/hr = $33,703/year (purchasing power: $35,107).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,172/year (purchasing power: $58,512).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.09/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Denton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.95/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.56/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Denton grew 21.6% from $21.46/hr (2019) to $26.09/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.95/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 Denton 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 Denton
Considering the earning potential of part-time paralegals working 24 hours a week, the annual income might be approximately $44,999, a figure considerably less than what full-time counterparts receive. For those involved in per diem paralegal pay in Denton, billing typically falls between $25 and $50 per hour; however, specialty roles such as e-discovery work can pay significantly more—ranging from $30 to $60 per hour. Freelance work generally offers higher rates, with corporate paralegals earning between $40 and $75 per hour, while those preparing for trials can command $50 to $90 per hour during active litigation. It's crucial to note that hourly rates can vary widely depending on the type of employer. Paralegals in BigLaw firms often face longer hours but with premium pay, while corporate and government roles typically provide a more balanced lifestyle, albeit at lower wage rates. Negotiating for benefits, such as health insurance, can sway choices between slightly lower hourly rates with job security versus higher self-billed rates without benefits. Understanding local market rates and the specific demands of different work environments is essential for anyone entering this field in Denton.
More salary data for Denton, 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 Denton. 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 Denton 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