Paralegal Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $29.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a paralegal working in Killeen, TX runs $29.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 23-2011). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.20 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,623 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Killeen, Texas, paralegals can expect a median hourly pay of $29.35, which is somewhat below the national median of $31.30. This hourly rate provides a stable option for those considering part-time work, typically around three days a week, or per-diem positions in various legal environments, including law firms, corporate legal departments, and government legal offices. Entry-level paralegals may begin at around $19.57 per hour, while experienced professionals in the top ten percentile can earn up to $38.87. The range allows for flexibility in scheduling, making this career path suitable for individuals seeking both stability and work-life balance. These figures come from official BLS data, reflecting the evolving landscape of legal support roles.
Paralegal Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $19.57 | $156.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.99 | $191.95 |
| Median (P50) | $29.35 | $234.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.43 | $259.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.87 | $310.94 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
Based on $29.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.35/hr, a paralegal working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Killeen, TX can expect to earn approximately $61,038 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,214. With a cost-of-living index of 91.13 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.80 | $5,086 | $61,038 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.28 | $3,052 | $36,623 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.52 | $2,035 | $24,415 |
Compare Paralegal Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Paralegal (Killeen) | $29.35 |
| 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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $61,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.23% lower than the national median of $65,097 and 8.10% above the Texas state average of $56,466.
Paralegal Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.35/hr = $36,623/year (purchasing power: $40,186).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,038/year (purchasing power: $66,977).
CoL index: 91.132 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+29.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Paralegals in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.51% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.38/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for paralegals in Killeen grew 20.9% from $23.44/hr (2019) to $28.35/hr (2025). At a 3.51% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.38/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
Examining the part-time earning potential reveals that a paralegal in Killeen working 24 hours a week grossing $29.35 per hour would take home approximately $36,675 annually. In contrast, full-time paralegals may benefit from additional compensation options, including benefits that often accompany full-time roles. Contract paralegal work can also be lucrative; per diem paralegals in Killeen typically bill hourly rates ranging from $25 to $50, whereas e-discovery specialists may command $30 to $60 per hour. Freelance corporate paralegals can earn even more, with rates between $40 and $75. Those handling trial preparation during active litigation could see up to $90 per hour. Employers across Killeen—from large law firms to government agencies—often offer varied pay scales. Some paralegals might accept lower hourly rates for positions with health benefits, whereas those prioritizing higher hourly wages might forgo benefits for a more lucrative arrangement. Effective negotiation strategies within Killeen’s market might include emphasizing specialized skills, such as e-discovery experience, to secure higher pay, especially in a growing job market projected to grow at 3.51% annually.
More salary data for Killeen, 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 Killeen. 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